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

Prior to COVID-19, Australians spent approximately $65 billion on overseas travel in 2019. This now presents enormous opportunities for our regions—that $65 billion on overseas travel in 2019.

What we're doing as a government is supporting more Australians to back our regions and supporting Australians to holiday at home this year. As you would know, Mr President, last week we announced the half-price ticket program. This will operate initially in over 13 key regions, with the potential for more regions to be added on the basis of consumer demand, consultation and the success of the program.

In addition to this, the vital domestic aviation policies that are supporting our regional airlines, regional health systems and regional jobs will continue for six months from the end of March to the end of September 2021. Again, as a government, we will always back our regions. (Time expired)