Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

I know—agriculture! My question is to the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Farrell. Australian consumers are paying high prices for airfares and would benefit from increased competition. The transport minister has rejected Qatar Airways' request for an additional 21 international flights a week. Minister, given the impact additional international carrier competition can have in lowering airfares for Australian passengers, increasing tourism to Australia and delivering lower freight costs, what advice did you provide to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government regarding the Qatar Airways decision, and what discussions or meetings did you, Minister Catherine King or the Prime Minister have with our domestic airlines prior to the government making this decision?