Senate debates

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

Committees

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference

5:08 pm

Photo of Lee RhiannonLee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The Greens did propose this inquiry last weekend and we have been working with Senator Xenophon and Labor to negotiate on the terms of reference. There has been an absolute willingness to ensure that we are able to bring forward an inquiry that would look at ways to protect Qantas and to give that support in terms of retaining it as a national carrier and retaining jobs in Australia. It has been disappointing that Labor has been unwilling to call senior Qantas managers, including Mr Joyce—but, again, the Greens have said that it is very important to get up this inquiry even if it is limited in the way that Labor has indicated. We will continue to endeavour to get this inquiry in place tomorrow. It is critical that this inquiry goes ahead because this is where the work of the Senate can come forward in terms of learning the lessons from the current mismanagement and chart a way forward for a healthy national carrier.

Comments

No comments