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

I thank Senator Sheldon for the question. What I can confirm is that we're in the middle of a global pandemic and that many industries across Australia have been hard hit. I do acknowledge that the aviation sector, in particular, has been hard hit. As a result of that, you are correct: the government has provided industries and employers with support, whether that's by way of JobKeeper or the plethora of other policies that we have put in place. Like you, Senator Sheldon, and like my colleagues on the government side of the chamber, we are saddened by any job losses as a result of the global pandemic, including those job losses that have recently been announced by Qantas. Without a doubt, it has been a tough year for the aviation sector. It has been a tough year and a long year. And, in particular, as you know, Senator Sheldon, because of the fact that our international borders remain closed and our domestic borders are only now really reopening up—and they will continue to reopen—only now are we seeing more flights in the air. But, Senator Sheldon, our government has taken extensive action, as you know, to support the aviation sector to the extent possible, bearing in mind the extent of the global pandemic. And in fact, Senator Sheldon, you would be aware that support to Australia's aviation industry now totals more than $2.7 billion. But, like any industry in Australia and like employers, you are right: we have, as a government, provided them with support.