SENATOR THE HON BRIDGET MCKENZIE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LEADER OF THE NATIONALS IN THE SENATE
12 September 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
ALBANESE GOVERNMENT’S QATAR AIRWAYS COVER UP CONTINUES
The cover up continues over the Albanese Government’s decision to block Qatar Airways request for additional flights.
Last week, the Senate ordered the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the Trade Minister to produce the briefings and documents pertaining to the Qatar Airways decision.
The Prime Minister has refused to be transparent and displayed a deep disrespect to the Senate by failing to provide the documents and briefings.
Senator McKenzie said the Prime Minister’s lack of integrity on the matter is appalling.
“The Prime Minister is too busy running a protection racket for Qantas and his mate Alan Joyce, rather than doing what’s best for the Australian travelling public.” Senator McKenzie said.
“The Government’s secrecy and avoidance on the Qatar Airways decision makes it so much more vital for the Senate inquiry to yield results and finally get our questions answered on the real reason why the request was blocked.”
“Only one of the Ministers had the integrity to table those documents on time, Treasurer Chalmers, and documents the Treasurer tabled clearly show that he was not consulted by Catherine King when she made that decision about Qatar Airways.
“This comes despite the fact that this decision raises significant issues regarding competition, an estimated $1 billion hit to the economy and, that it would have given Australians cheaper international flights,” Senator McKenzie said.
Today in Senate, Senator McKenzie tabled a motion to compel Minister Wong to attend the Chamber on behalf of the Prime Minister and make an explanation as to why Mr. Albanese has refused to be transparent and comply with an order of the Senate.
Tomorrow Minister Catherine King is required to provide the Senate with documents and briefings pertaining to the Qatar Airways decision.
ENDS.