Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Certainly, I am happy to take up the issue that Senator Xenophon has raised and have a chat with the Minister for Infra­structure and Transport, Mr Albanese. We have had some broad discussions about some of these issues, but not the particular alle­gations that Senator Xenophon is referring to today. We are very concerned, as recent events have proved, to make sure that we put safety as the first priority in Australia's airline industry—be they Australian owned or foreign owned aircraft. I accept that the issue of crews' hours and potential fatigue is a key part of any safety consideration. I understand what Senator Xenophon said about CASA, but I would have thought there is an overarching responsibility for safety that would allow them to respond to concerns about fatigue. I am happy to take that matter up as well with the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport because I would be concerned if that was not treated as a very serious issue. (Time expired)