Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

The challenges that are facing the aviation sector as a whole particularly affect those in rural and regional areas specifically. There has been a shortage of pilots right around the world. That is having an impact on all Australians, but it particularly impacts the general aviation sector in regional areas, which rely heavily on getting those pilots and attracting people into these roles. That's why the government has announced in this year's budget an increase in the cap for aviation students through the VET FEE-HELP support program from $100,000 to $150,000 to help train pilots and to ensure that we have more trainee pilots graduate, come through with qualifications, and we increase the supply of pilots over time. I congratulate the airlines that have established flying schools in regional centres, which will help increase the supply of pilots through regional Australia. Centres are going forward in Toowoomba, Tamworth and Mackay to help ease these pressures. This will also make sure that, over time, we continue to have a strong and vibrant aviation sector for Australia.