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

I thank Senator Canavan for his question. The issue, of course, in this respect is an issue for the minister for transport, Minister Catherine King. She made the original decision to decline the offer of Qatar to increase its services and, of course, she has responsibility to determine whether any airline should be allowed extra slots in Australian airports. I have said on a number of occasions that, if Qatar wanted to get some extra flights into Australia, they could come into Adelaide. They've got one service a day.

Yes; I'll take that interjection from Senator Birmingham: so could Qantas. Qantas does not have a single international flight out of Adelaide and hasn't for 10 long years. I would very much welcome additional flights from Qatar out of Adelaide, which they can do right now. I would also welcome any flights from Qantas.

The direct answer to your question, Senator Canavan, is that this is an issue with the minister for transport. (Time expired)