The Federal Government has announced it will put a contingency plan in place to purchase the airline if a suitable candidate can’t be found to ensure it remains operational in regional areas. Photo: Paul Stewart, YouTube.
Only a few candidates for the House of Representatives in the electorates of Eden-Monaro, Gilmore and Riverina have said they support government action to keep the embattled air carrier Rex Airlines in the air.
On April 22 Region contacted six of the eight candidates in Eden-Monaro, seven of the eight Gilmore candidates, and 10 of the 13 candidates in the Riverina electorate. They were asked to comment before Anzac Day whether or not they supported the Labor Government’s commitment to buying Rex Airlines if another buyer could not be found.
Of the 23 candidates contacted, only 11 responded. Those 11 were supportive of keeping Rex flying but not all supported a government buyout.
All three Labor candidates, Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro), Fiona Phillips (Gilmore) and Mark Jeffreson (Riverina) responded that they supported the Albanese Government’s commitment.
Riverina MP and Nationals Party member Michael McCormack rang to confirm his willingness to cross the floor to support the airline.
The only other Riverina candidates to respond, saying they favoured continued government support for the airline, were independent candidate James Gooden and Christine Onley of the Libertarian Party.
Mr Gooden said as someone who lived in a regional area, he understood how vital regional air services like Rex were to communities across the Riverina.
“Whether it’s for health appointments, business, or staying connected to family, regular and affordable flights aren’t a luxury – they’re essential,” Mr Gooden said.
“I support keeping REX flying and ensuring that regional Australians have access to reliable, affordable well-serviced air routes. Whatever the ownership model, the focus must remain on maintaining strong connections between regional communities and the rest of the country,” he said.
Ms Onley said she supported Rex Airlines remaining operating because it served as a lifeline to the region and its communities.
“It gives us options in how we like to travel and access other regions,” Ms Onley said. “By maintaining REX, we are keeping a network that keeps rural Australia accessible and vibrant, especially in the Riverina where its impact is deeply felt.”
Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick, Regional Development Minister and Member for Eden Monaro Kristy McBain, Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Transport Minister Catherine King at Merimbula Airport. Photo: Supplied.
No response was received from One Nation, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, Family First Party Australia, Australian Citizens Party, or the Greens, nor from independent candidate Jenny Rolfe in the Riverina electorate.
No response was received from the Greens, One Nation, Family First Party Australia or Trumpet of Patriots in the Gilmore electorate.
No response was received from the Greens or One Nation in the Eden-Monaro electorate.
Wade Cox, Trumpet of Patriots Party candidate in the Eden-Monaro electorate, said regional airlines were important to Australia and needed to be supported as required.
“We will do what we can to solve the problems with Rex and see if they can be helped and kept flying in Australia.”
Fraser Buchanan, Heart Party candidate in Eden-Monaro, also supported the government looking into buying Rex Airlines because it had been providing a much-needed service to regional communities over the past few decades.
“It is essential to the viability of many of the regional centres to maintain this service,” Mr Buchanan said.
“The government propped up Qantas and Virgin significantly during the COVID period and Rex had to tough it out. They need the support now and if it means a government takeover I think essential services are a government responsibility,” he said.
Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division) communication director Ian Zakon responded on behalf of its candidates in the Eden-Monaro and Gilmore electorates, Jo van der Plaat and Andrew Constance.
“What’s important to us is that regional Australians are able to get to where they need to go. The government needs to guarantee the routes and services,” Mr Zakon said.
“A Liberal Government would ensure regional communities are not left stranded.
“We will do what Anthony Albanese should have done last August when REX went into administration and work with the regional aviation sector to ensure no community is left behind.”
Gilmore independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds was conditional in her support.
She said while reliable and affordable air travel was essential for communities in Gilmore, “we also need to be responsible stewards of public money”.
“REX received significant financial support during the pandemic to maintain regional routes. Since then, they’ve taken on high-risk expansions into highly competitive capital city routes. These decisions haven’t addressed the urgent need for better services in places like Moruya and Merimbula,” Ms Dezarnaulds said.
“As your independent, I’ll be pushing for accountability – no more public bailouts unless they come with enforceable guarantees to serve regional communities like ours. Let’s invest in the services that matter – not risky boardroom strategies,” she said.
Region was unable to find contact details for Eden-Monaro independent candidates Andrew Thaler and Brian Fisher, Adrian Carle, the Legalise Cannabis Australia candidate for Gilmore, and Riverina independent candidates Barbara Baikie, Jake Davis and Grant Hardwick.
Original Article published by Marion Williams on About Regional.
