The Greens and crossbenchers have sided with Labor to end a Senate inquiry into the government’s decision to block extra flights into Australia from Qatar Airways, sparing former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce from a potential summons.
Mr Joyce, who was overseas when the inquiry was first launched, had faced calls to “front up” and explain what part he may have played in the government’s decision, amid heavy criticism of Qantas and its senior management.
However, by Wednesday, the probe had already run its course, requiring a Senate vote to approve an extension before a summons could be made.
Mr Joyce had faced calls to “front up” and explain what part he may have played in the government’s decision, amid heavy criticism of Qantas and its senior management. Picture: Peter Boer/Bloomberg via Getty Images
That motion was ultimately defeated, with Labor Senators along with the Greens and independent David Pocock moving to shut down the inquiry after weeks of hearings with aviation experts and representatives from major airlines.
The result angered Nationals Senator, and Committee chair, Bridget McKenzie, who had claimed Mr Joyce was one of just three people who could reveal the “real reason” behind the government’s decision to block Qatar Airways.
“This shows the extent of the disrespect the government has for the Australian travelling public,” she said.
The result angered Nationals Senator, and Committee chair, Bridget McKenzie, who had claimed Mr Joyce was one of just three people who could reveal the “real reason” behind the government’s decision to block Qatar Airways. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman
“This inquiry was first set up to find out the real reason why the Albanese government has contributed to keeping the cost of airfares high by blocking Qatar Airways’ request for additional flights.
“While the inquiry has made serious recommendations to make our aviation industry more competitive, this question still hasn’t been answered.”
Senator McKenzie had also called for Transport Minister Catherine King to make an appearance, a move which was panned by the government, and laid out a number of demands which she claimed would help repair public trust in the aviation sector.
One of those, the restoration of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission monitoring of cancellations and delays, has now been taken up by the government, with Ms King and Treasurer Jim Chalmers saying the move would assist in shaping their upcoming white paper on the sector.
(Sky News)
