Good evening everyone, it’s a real pleasure to be here tonight at the official launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Aviation.

Can I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on today, the Ngunnawal people, and recognise those with a connection to the lands of the ACT. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

I would also like to acknowledge the co-conveners of the Parliamentary Friends of Aviation, and my parliamentary colleagues from across the political spectrum who are here this evening.

I also welcome industry leaders who are here tonight, including:

• Simon Westaway, CEO of the Australian Airports Association;
• Rob Walker, CEO of the Regional Airports Association of Australia;
• Stephen Pearce, CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia; and
• Graeme Samuel, Chair of Airlines of Australia and New Zealand.

All of whom are very well known to me.

Aviation, perhaps more than any other sector, reminds us that Australia, and the Australian public, are best served when we work together. Across parties, across industry, and across regions.

Aviation is not just another industry, it is a national connector. It binds our cities to our regions, our exporters to the world, and our families to one another.

Because of our vast continent and the distances we travel, Australians rely on aviation perhaps more than many other people around the globe.

That is why it is so critical that the aviation sector continues to build and maintain the trust of Australian travellers.

And that is why I believe engagement on aviation policy must be a bi-partisan and collaborative endeavour. The challenges and opportunities facing this sector don’t begin and end with one election cycle.

Whether it’s rebuilding confidence after the pandemic, ensuring a fair go for consumers, or protecting passengers with a disability – these goals are greater than party politics.

And forums like this one – a bi-partisan Parliamentary Friends of Aviation group is one of the ways we can ensure Australia’s aviation policy remains fair, forward-looking, and globally competitive.

When the Government released its Aviation White Paper, we made clear that our goal is to deliver a modern, fair, and resilient aviation sector. One that supports economic growth while serving the public interest.

Since then we’ve been working hard to deliver those priorities, while confronting challenges facing the sector.

First, I want to acknowledge the collective effort that is going into helping Rex emerge from voluntary administration. From the regional airports continuing to serve the airline and its passengers, to the dedicated public servants who have been working tirelessly for over a year, ensuring regional passengers continue to have access to the critical services they rely on.

While the process still has some way to go, the recent announcements of a preferred bidder are positive steps for Australia’s largest regional airline. This will mean that regional Australians can continue to fly the routes they choose.

The Government’s reforms to boost competition in the aviation sector are also progressing with the new Sydney Airport Demand Management regulations commencing yesterday (26 October).

These are the most significant reforms to slots at Sydney Airport since the introduction of the original demand management legislation in 1997.

The reforms to Sydney Airport slots will boost efficiency, competition and consumer outcomes at Australia’s busiest airport and across the entire network.

And forty kilometres to the west of Sydney Airport, Western Sydney International Airport is nearing completion, with operational readiness testing underway ahead of its opening next year.

We continue to work to boost aviation competition, trade and tourism opportunities through new and updated air service agreements with international markets.

We now have more than 110 bilateral agreements in place, including increased capacity with Hong Kong and Chile, and unrestricted capacity with Canada and Malaysia to commence in March next year.

The Government is also committed to legislating greater rights and protections for airline passengers, so when things go wrong people know what remedies they are entitled to, these remedies are enforceable, and public confidence in the sector continues to improve.

This work is about restoring confidence and trust, and ensuring our aviation system reflects Australian values of fairness and respect.

I would like to thank everybody here who has participated in our consultation processes so far, as we work to design a system suited to the Australian market.

The Government also believes that every Australian should be able to travel with dignity and that is why we are delivering reforms to disability access in aviation.

For the first time, we’re designing aviation specific disability standards in partnership with the disability sector, airlines and airports. We’re committed to making the system more inclusive for all and expect to consult further on these changes soon.

Finally, we’re investing in the future of sustainable aviation fuels. A significant economic opportunity for the country that will create new jobs, support regional feedstock providers and ensure Australian aviation remains globally competitive as the world moves towards lower emissions flying.

The past few years have tested our aviation sector like never before. But what’s clear is that this industry remains a cornerstone of our national resilience and prosperity.

When we get aviation policy right, we connect Australians to opportunity, to each other and to the wider world.

So tonight I want to thank all of you for your work in keeping this essential system running.

Let’s keep working together.

Thank you.