Opposition and crossbench politicians pushing for action on regional airfares have expressed their frustration at the slow pace of the review into long distance passenger services in Queensland.
A spokesman for Transport Minister, Jackie Trad, has announced that while the long-awaited independent assessment of service levels and regulation has been completed, the Transport department was now developing a submission for government consideration in mid-2017.
This followed questioning at the end of April by Mount Isa MP, Rob Katter, who said the review had been slated for release at the end of March but had not materialised.
News of the ongoing wait for the release of findings angered the Queensland KAP parliamentary leader, who said the government seemed to have the same response towards issues in regional Queensland over and over again.
“Whether it be crocodile management or the regional airline issue, it is not treated with any urgency in George Street and is pushed to the side or delayed, and the people of northern Australia are fed up with it.
“The airlines appear to be using their market power to charge exorbitant prices for air services to the north west, because driving 24 plus hours to Brisbane is tough and residents have no other practical choice but to fly.”
He said that when people were taking out personal loans to pay for flights to attend funerals, family emergencies or school sporting trips, “you know there’s a problem”.
There was a similar response from the Member for Gregory, Lachlan Millar, who has been vocal in his criticism at the cost of airfares on the regulated Brisbane-Longreach route.
“I am disappointed for the people of western Queensland,” he said.
“While the Palaszczuk government drags its feet, the people of western Queensland continue to pay up to $500 for a one-way flight to Brisbane.
“The government has a responsibility to ensure residents in rural and regional communities can access essential services in major city centres without it breaking the bank.”
Mr Millar said residents living in western Queensland were paying more than double the price of airfares on unregulated routes like Brisbane-Emerald and were receiving an unreliable and costly service in return.
“Planes often break down, delays are frequent and resident fares are regularly unavailable,” he said. “I am calling on Jackie Trad to give urgent consideration to the findings. It’s time to stop talking and start acting.”
The review has looked at whether service levels are appropriate, what the impact of deregulation on service levels would be, and whether there are routes that should be regulated.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
