Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Congratulations, Madam Deputy Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to speak about air and sea connectivity in my electorate of Solomon. Darwin, as all honourable members know, is Australia's gateway to South-East Asia and is playing an increasingly critical role in Australia's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, which is why I'm so disappointed in the increasing cuts by airlines to flights to and from Darwin, both within Australia and internationally, as well as the peak tourism season gouging that we've seen where Territorians are paying up to $3,000 one-way with Qantas from Darwin to Sydney. It's outrageous and it needs to be looked at.

In recent weeks we have also seen the Indonesia President, Joko Widodo, flag the importance of a Kupang—which is West Timor—Dili, Timor-Leste and Darwin route, which is something I also had the opportunity to discuss with the Indonesia government last month when we visited with the Prime Minister.

Our neighbours understand the importance of connectivity within our region. We must make the most of the opportunities that Darwin is uniquely placed to provide for all Australians and into the Indo-Pacific.

I call on our airlines to have a look at their practices and to make sure that there is no gouging, because every single Australian and tourist must have the opportunity to come to our magnificent Northern Territory.