Ms BURNET (Clark) – Given the news about air carrier Rex going into voluntary administration, as transport spokesperson for the Greens, it is necessary to say a few words about the likely impacts on Tasmanians and their transport options and local economies.
The news that Rex has gone into voluntary administration is deeply concerning for Tasmanians, but particularly those directly affected. If Rex is allowed to go the way of Ansett and Bonza, jobs in regional communities in Tasmania will be at risk and the impacts on tourism and the broader local economy will be significant.
The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) have said that many hundreds of jobs across Australia have gone already, but it is not just the jobs directly associated with operating these services that are at risk. However, my thoughts are with those directly impacted and those workers who are understandably worried about the future. I commend the TWU and Australian Services Union for the work they are doing already to support affected members on the mainland.
The knock-on effects will be particularly felt in Tasmania’s regional and remote areas, including King Island. Transport services like those provided by Rex provide invaluable social and economic benefits for tourism, agriculture, medical appointments, and connecting communities and families. It is a blow for a regional and remote Tasmanians.
Focusing on the north west, the Mayor of Devonport, Alison Jarman, has expressed concern at the prospect of a Qantas monopoly. The Mayor of Waratah-Wynyard, Mary Duniam, has publicly stated her concerns about the impact on communities and their access to services. If people in north-west Tasmania are forced to fly from Launceston Airport, this is a greater financial impost on them. They live in an area which is already poorly serviced by transport options and may become more isolated and with greater disadvantage. It will be a step backwards for the whole state. Transport should be seen as an essential service.
The Premier has said he stands ready to work with the Commonwealth Government on a path forward. He is correct that we cannot afford to lose these links to King Island, the north‑west coast and other regional communities. Will he ensure services are running, supporting local economies, jobs and regional connectivity? What is his suggestion to keep these areas connected to the rest of the country? Will he consider regulating these routes to ensure they remain operational?
We are already under‑serviced in Tasmania with transport options, especially in the north‑west of the state. It is vital for Tasmania that Burnie and Devonport do not lose their direct connection to the mainland. In Queensland, regional Rex flights have long been supported by the state government, who recognise that these flight corridors are often the only way of providing essential services, such as access to health care, to remote communities.
Federal government studies have shown that moving from three airlines to two on any given route would lead to a doubling of fares. Moving from two to one will have a similar impact. This lack of competition has been cited by experts as a key factor in rising airfares.
Swift action is required. Should the residents of King Island be left with only one service, it is inevitable that prices will rise even further. Australians have long suffered financially due to lack of competition in air travel. This is especially true in Tasmania, and particularly so in rural and remote Tasmania. It is the tyranny of distance.
Now, yet again, Tasmanians may suffer because of monopolistic practices. The Greens believe it is crucial that the government take action immediately, because transport is an essential public service.
