Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Sterle and Sheldon, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 31 March 2021:

The future of Australia's aviation sector, in the context of COVID-19 and conditions post-pandemic, having particular regard to:

(a) the importance of Australia's aviation sector in supporting the economic and social wellbeing of all Australians;

(b) the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic response on all aspects of the Australian aviation sector;

(c) the immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic response on all sectors that rely on aviation (e.g. tourism);

(d) the adequacy of government industry support and procurement and programs for the social and economic well-being of workers for all sections of the aviation industry to survive the downturn caused by the pandemic;

(e) the immediate and long-term employment landscape within Australia's aviation sector;

(f) what policy and practical measures would be required to assist the industry to recover in the medium term; and

(g) any related matters.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement?

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Senate Select Committee on COVID-19, which is to report by 30 June 2022, already has extensive terms of reference to inquire into the Australian government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and any related matters. Indeed, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications has already appeared at the COVID select committee, on 9 June 2020; 6 August 2020, which specifically included aviation officials; and 24 September 2020. Qantas has also already appeared, on 21 July 2020. The government notes the ongoing workloads of committees and committee secretaries and related concerns about additional references, particularly where an existing inquiry is already capable of examining these matters.

Question agreed to.