Senator Bridget McKenzie has today condemned the Albanese Government’s opposition to the Coalition’s Airline Passenger Protections (Pay on Delay) Bill, describing Labor’s stance as a failure to stand up for ordinary Australians who continue to endure delays, cancellations by airlines in Australia.
Labor Senators used their majority on the committee inquiry to recommend the Bill not be passed.
“In failing to support this Bill, Labor has sided with powerful airlines over everyday Australian passengers – travellers who are increasingly frustrated by persistent delays, cancellations, and a lack of accountability from the aviation sector,” Senator McKenzie said.
The Pay on Delay bill was developed by the Coalition in response to overwhelming evidence of systemic market failure in the domestic aviation sector and widespread consumer dissatisfaction.
“Labor’s refusal to back this bill leaves Australian travellers with fewer rights than passengers in the EU, the UK, Canada, and even the United States,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Labor’s current approach—based on a vague, six dot point charter and a toothless ombudsman scheme—is a bureaucratic fig leaf. It won’t protect passengers, it won’t deter bad behaviour, and it won’t deliver the accountability the public is demanding.”
The recent senate inquiry into the Bill heard passengers are routinely left out of pocket, confused about their rights, and forced to navigate inconsistent airline policies.
“This is not just about making up for lost time or missed connections,” Senator McKenzie said. “It’s about fairness, accountability and restoring public confidence in a sector that many Australians feel is rigged against them.”
“The Albanese Government’s failure to act—combined with its cosy relationship with dominant carriers—proves it is out of touch with the lived experience of Australian travellers. At a time when fares are up 53 per cent since Labor took office, the Government has a duty to act.
“The Coalition will continue to fight for enforceable passenger rights, a better deal for every Australian traveller and finally give passengers the fairness and protection they deserve.”
The Airline Passenger Protections (Pay on Delay) Bill 2024 Inquiry Report and the Coalition Senators Dissenting Report is now available on the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee website.