Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Moruya Airport is the only passenger airport in my electorate of Gilmore on the New South Wales South Coast in the Eurobodalla. It is of course in the southern part of the Gilmore electorate—a very long, long drive to either Sydney or Canberra. Importantly, it provides a vital link for local people to access medical treatment and education opportunities in the city and to stay connected with family and friends. It also helps our many local food producers get their products to national and international markets. My friends, colleagues and community fly from Moruya to Canberra, Sydney and other regional areas in New South Wales.

I know how important regional air services are for local people, businesses and communities like mine, which is why I'm thrilled that the Albanese Labor government stepped up to support Rex Airlines through a voluntary administration process. We've been working with the administrators of Rex to ensure crucial regional aviation services can remain in the air. We are committed to maintaining access to aviation services for regional and remote communities and recognise the critical role Rex plays in supporting local economies. The Albanese Labor government continues to back regional aviation just like we back regional telecommunications, because we know our great country towns and villages deserve quality services and connectivity just like our cities.

This government has also stepped up to support regional airport upgrades, because we know they matter. We're investing almost $12 million to upgrade regional airports across New South Wales, including at Moruya. This funding, under round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, is delivering essential upgrades, such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage, which will improve safety, enhance accessibility and boost capacity at our regional airports. Work is underway to reseal the runway, taxiways and apron pavement and replace the apron lighting at Moruya Airport. This work ensures the continued safe operation of the airport, safeguarding its role as a lifeline for the community and a gateway for access to vital services and for visitors to the South Coast. Works will also support the continued use of the airport by emergency services including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and aerial firefighting, even for night and low-visibility operations, as well as by regular passenger services.

I am absolutely delighted to see improvements at Moruya Airport, which is a lifeline for our economy. Our investment is helping to create more jobs, helping local farmers and supporting our social and economic connections across Australia. It is great news for our region. Upgrades like these aren't just improvements; they're the difference between regional residents getting medical help, firefighters getting access during an emergency and economies growing through tourism.

The Albanese government represents more regional electorates than any other party, so we know the challenges they face when it comes to connectivity. That's why we have welcomed the recent announcement that the majority of creditors have voted in support of Air T's bid to acquire Rex. Air T's bid was endorsed by the government and includes a support package comprising a new loan of up to $60 million and a restructuring of existing Australian government debt. I am delighted that Air T has agreed to a range of commitments, including returning more aircraft to service and increasing the frequency of profitable flights across the Rex network.

To safeguard this public investment, the government will retain its security over all Rex's aircraft and its simulator. This will ensure Rex's Saab fleet cannot be sold without the government's permission and will continue to service communities across regional and remote Australia. To further support local communities, we've established a new program, capped at $5 million, for local government and regional and remote airports that supported Rex through the voluntary administration process.

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