Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, President, and thanks, Senator McKenzie, for the point of order. The Australian government considers, of course, a range of factors when determining whether an expansion of bilateral air rights is in the national interest. The government at this time has decided not to approve the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority's request for additional services.

International aviation helps facilitate Australia's tourism, trade and international education sectors and supports our global, national and regional economic interests and social connectivity. We have seen continued growth in Australian domestic aviation in the last year as the sector recovers from the COVID-19—