Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Patrick for the question. I can advise as follows: the government is in daily discussions with airlines to understand the needs of the sector and to ensure our programs are supporting the communities that they fly to. You'd understand, though, that decisions on network configurations and scheduling are ultimately a commercial matter for the airlines themselves. This includes, as you've referred to in your question, Rex's decision to cease the Adelaide to Kangaroo Island route.

The regional aviation network support does not compel airlines to fly to particular routes. However, we continue to monitor the need for future support, whether it be through aviation measures or broader economic measures. You'd be aware that Rex is one of 15 operators receiving funding to ensure critical aviation services, particularly in regional and remote Australia, through the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on the aviation sector, to ensure essential workers can travel domestically, to support health transport services, and to distribute critical goods and equipment. The regional aviation network support, as you'd be aware, currently runs until March. I am advised that, obviously as a government, we'll continue to monitor the situation and continue further support if necessary. Qantas themselves, in a media release, have stated:

We'll be reviewing our network and consider whether we can offer services on any of the routes that Rex is threatening to pull out of.

I think you know, from the government's perspective, we've always been of the opinion that Australia's aviation industry does have a bright future ahead. I'm confident that we will rebuild throughout 2021 and beyond.