Guy Barnett (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I take this opportunity to make a few brief comments about the broader area of air safety—not specifically on this amendment but broadly on the matter of air safety—with respect to this legislation. In particular I indicate that I raised some issues with Airservices Australia some 12 months ago regarding an empty control tower at Launceston airport: it was left vacant for 1½ days due to staff sickness. Likewise, it was left unattended the previous December. I was advised that an investigation would take place and I have asked for that investigation to be made public and for the conclusions and recommendations to also be made public. The Launceston airport has a million passengers a year—that is 3,000 passengers a day. It has four passenger airlines now, as well as small carriers to the Bass Strait islands, freight carriers and so on, and it is now subject to a $20 million redevelopment. I raise these issues seeking answers and for matters to be brought to public attention and put on the public record. I appreciate that air safety should be the top priority and absolutely key in every respect, and I appreciate the efforts of all senators in this chamber to achieve that objective.

Manning levels are very important. There were people at Launceston airport that were sick and also on leave, and I accept that these things happen, but why can’t Airservices Australia ensure that the air traffic control tower is manned by the appropriate people to ensure that air safety is a top priority? There were several serious incidents in and around Launceston, not just in terms of the matters I have raised. Some years ago, a Virgin flight came very close to a light aircraft. So we need the assurance that safety will not be compromised in any respect. I appreciate the efforts of Airservices Australia, but I do hope and expect that those investigations, the conclusions and recommendations, will be made public so that we have a full analysis of that review.

Question agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

Bill reported with an amendment; report adopted.