The Federal Government has taken the next step towards reforming Australia’s aviation sector, releasing the Aviation Green Paper and calling for feedback from the community and the sector according to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King MP.
The Green Paper marks an important stage in developing the Aviation White Paper which will set the policy direction for the aviation sector out to 2050.
“The government is seeking outcomes that deliver a more competitive aviation sector, while at the same time securing Australian jobs,” she said.
“We are also looking at stronger consumer protections, improvements to complaint handling processes and improve accessibility for consumers living with disability.
“Through this process, we are also seeking to understand whether options pursued in other jurisdictions – such as a Customer Rights Charter or a stronger ombudsman model – would deliver benefits to Australia’s aviation sector.”
She said the Green Paper also considers how to transition Australia’s aviation industry to net zero.
“We committed to net zero emissions by 2050 and have already implemented new reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism requiring annual emissions reductions for Australia’s largest emitters – including our largest airlines,” Minister King said.
“Access to affordable air services are a key contributor to the liveability of regional Australia and it is essential that regional services remain viable. The Albanese Government recognises that now and over coming years, it will be critical to leverage the economic shifts underway across the world for the benefit of Australia’s regions.
“We want an aviation sector that maintains Australia’s world leading safety and security standards and provides secure jobs now and into the future, a sector needs to be reliable, competitive and affordable, supported by a robust consumer rights framework.
“We encourage those who are interested to carefully consider the Green Paper and provide feedback to inform next year’s Aviation White Paper.
“The White Paper will enable long-term investment, underpin the maintenance and improvement of our internationally-enviable safety record, and articulate clear commitments to consumers and communities that rely on aviation.
“The government is considering the recommendations from the Review of the Sydney Airport Demand Management Scheme, an independent review prepared by Mr Peter Harris AO.
“We have recently concluded targeted consultation regarding potential changes to the Scheme, with a particular eye to modernising the slot allocation framework and strengthening compliance measures to ensure that slots are not being misused by airlines. I will have more announcements to make about these reforms in due course.”
To read the Aviation Green Paper visit infrastructure.gov.au/aviation-green-paper-towards-2050
To have your say, visit infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say or email aviationgreenpaper@infrastructure.gov.au
