The Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA) has expressed its concern that the major political parties are ignoring the transport issues faced by regional communities across Australia.
“Regional aviation businesses including regional airlines, freight and general aviation businesses are an essential part of Australia’s national infrastructure and yet we have heard nothing from either the government or the opposition about how they will resolve a number of pressing issues affecting the industry,” said CEO Paul Tyrrell.
In particular, the RAAA expressed its concerns that skills shortages and increasing security costs were threatening the viability of regional air services, while he also noted that the recent increase in fuel taxes and the cancellation of the En route Charges Subsidy was also placing great pressure on regional operators.
“Both the government and opposition say they are aware of the vital role aviation plays in linking regional and remote communities to our major cities but until we see their transport policies the industry continues to lose hope,” Tyrrell concluded.
