Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Griff for the question. Senator Griff, my understanding is—I've been advised—that the government is having, as you know, ongoing discussions with the nation's domestic airlines and has had throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will continue to do that, because, as you know, the aviation sector has been severely impacted by COVID-19. Both domestic and international flights are down significantly, and, unfortunately, thousands of workers in the sector have been stood down. You'd also be aware, though, that we've provided around $2.7 billion so far to support the aviation sector. This includes support to maintain minimum air services across Australia, including over 400 return flights per week to more than 120 locations, of which more than 110 are regional or remote; $120 million is being paid to airlines to support critical connections on Australia's major routes; and over $30 million has been paid to airlines to ensure essential regional air networks can be maintained.

As you know, though, the reality is that international borders are still closed, and, as such, the Australian government wants domestic travel to get back to normal as soon as possible. The recent challenge we've faced, though, has obviously been in relation to states and territories at times having their borders closed, sometimes at very short notice. But, encouragingly, both Queensland and, indeed, my home state of Western Australia have recently announced the opening of their borders to Victoria and New South Wales. We are now seeing, as a direct response to that, increased or strong demand for flights returning already. But we will continue to talk with the aviation sector— (Time expired)