Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

Australians who trusted our national airline carrier have been shocked by allegations that Qantas has been engaging in anticompetitive behaviour while posting record profits. The removal of expiry dates on credits for Qantas flight cancellations may be too little too late, with current fares significantly higher—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 16 : 10 to 16 : 24

The ACCC reports that on domestic routes with Qantas, Virgin and Rex flights, consumers experienced up to 20 per cent reductions in fairs. Reform is clearly needed to competition laws in relation to airlines. Furthermore, Australians need fairer rules regarding cancellations. In the European Union, EU 261 requires refunds when a flight is cancelled. Similarly, American legislators have also legislated to ensure a consumer is entitled to a refund for a cancelled flight.

My intern, Riannon Newton, is looking into these issues. Riannon is doing a terrific job. I have so many constituents, as I'm sure many people in this chamber do, who have had very difficult experiences with airlines and who are out of pocket. When they try to rebook flights now, they're finding them three and four times the original cost pre-COVID. I look forward to sharing Riannon's work with the House when completed so we can consider more about what we can do to protect consumers in this space.

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