Joyce spells out Qantas fears

Joyce spells out Qantas fears
By admin


Qantas boss Alan Joyce has warned that it would have to sell Jetstar and make further cuts to jobs and services if proposed changes to the Qantas Sale Act are passed.

In a frank opening statement to the Senate inquiry over amendments to the Act this morning, Joyce insisted the airline would be strangled and unable to compete.
He warned politicians that if they passed the amendments, which would require the group to treat international crews as Australian in terms of wage and conditions with all heavy maintenance to be conducted in Australia, Qantas would suffer.
“If Australians want a truly competitive national carrier, this Parliament cannot tie up Qantas in this way. You would be responsible for making Qantas less competitive just when we most need the freedom to compete.”
Joyce argued that Qantas has done nothing to contravene the “spirit or intent” of the bill which fundamentally exists to ensure Qantas remains a majority Australian-owned flag carrier.
According to Joyce, Senator Nick Xenophon’s proposed changes, would “strangle” the group to the point that some of its international services would no longer be viable.
“The proposed amendments would quite simply force the Qantas Group to withdraw from services connecting Darwin and Cairns to the tourism and trade markets of Asia and Europe,” he predicted.
Jetstar would also be a victim if the majority of its heavy maintenance had to be conducted in Australia. Competitors with no such restrictions would enjoy a huge advantage, leaving Qantas with a stark choice.
“[Either] allow Jetstar to fail within the confines of the Qantas Sale Act or sell it to allow it to succeed outside it ,” he said. “I want it clearly understood that the certain consequences of these Bills would be job losses and reduced aviation access.”
Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) managing director Felicia Mariani branded the proposed amendments “a direct attack on Australia’s tourism industry,” and underlined the impact of Qantas’ withdrawal from key international routes.
“Aviation is the lifeblood of the Australian tourism industry and ATEC is very concerned by Senator Xenophon’s narrow sighted view of Qantas’ role in our community,” she said.

Latest News

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]