David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

The Air Navigation Act is the answer to the senator's question. I love these quotes, Mr President. I want to take the senator, for his benefit, to a quote from Mr Anthony Albanese, the former Labor minister for transport, who said in 2008:

The new Rudd Labor government will drive an active strategy to further liberalise the aviation sector, seeking cooperation with like-minded partners.

He continued:

In a system of unbalanced economic advantage, we must take a pragmatic approach to our liberalisation strategy, acting in the overall national interest.

Let me say that again, Mr President:

… acting in the overall national interest. We will aim to reduce restrictions which limit growth while ensuring that the Australian industry can compete with international operators—