New government, new hope?

The need to keep the pressure on

With all the turmoil on the political front it is hard to see where the aviation industry fits into national economic thinking. Certainly regional aviation has made its thoughts crystal clear to government in two significant policy documents, one published by the Australian Aviation Associations Forum and more recently in a policy paper released at the Regional Aviation Summit in March.

Because the aviation industry is rarely a political game-changer and therefore sometimes ignored, the industry must maintain its focus and never quit the field in reminding our leaders that our country’s aviation development is in danger of stalling. While more overseas carriers are returning to our shores and there has been some domestic passenger growth, a range of unnecessary government costs and taxes are hurting operators while ensuring aviation designers and manufacturers continue to struggle. Never forget that the carbon tax was applied to aviation immediately, but other transport sectors received a tax holiday.