Subjects: Reaction to Qantas servicing changes
E&OE
Michael McCORMACK
Patrick. It’s Michael McCormack, from Wagga Wagga.
Patrick MORROW
How are you?
Michael McCORMACK
Not too bad.
Patrick MORROW
I am sure you’ll be looking forward to the weekend.
Michael McCORMACK
Well, tomorrow I’ve got a full book of appointments starting at 8:30 and going through till about midnight. So, the answer to that is yes and no. I’m going to be up again at 8:00 to go to some swimming championships on Sunday. So it’s no rest for the wicked.
Patrick MORROW
Anyway, let’s talk about these issues. Can I get you to state your name and title for the record?
Michael McCORMACK
Michael McCormack, Federal Member for Riverina.
Patrick MORROW
So, Michael, there are Qantas services being cut from Wagga to Melbourne, and Albury to Melbourne. What has Qantas told you about why they’re cutting these services?
Michael McCORMACK
Well, it’s happened because of Qantas deciding, based on the number of passengers that they are getting on those routes. When the capacity falls below half, it makes it difficult to keep it financially viable. It’s a business decision by Qantas, but it’s deeply disappointing because the customers of Wagga Wagga and Albury have supported Qantas Link for many, many years. Indeed, the Federal Government has supported Qantas for many, many years on these country routes and particularly through Covid too. To make this decision is disappointing. I will be, along with Sussan Ley, the Opposition Leader, writing to Qantas to express my disappointment. I’ve already spoken to representatives of the company today to say that the decision is deeply disappointing for people who wish to travel to Melbourne, for business, for leisure, for health reasons. Particularly, the cancer care units in Melbourne are very good and very much accessed by Riverina people. They go through Wagga Wagga and Albury to access those services. For a whole matter of reasons, it’s disappointing. I appreciate that the decision has been made. I appreciate that they’ve now got in Vogue the fact that it will be ending in March. But it is deeply disappointing, and I will be asking Qantas to revisit and reconsider the decision.
Patrick MORROW
What does this mean for the overall services for those looking to head to Melbourne?
Michael McCORMACK
What it means is that for businesspeople, they’ll just have to either fly to Sydney and then down to Melbourne, or they’ll drive to Melbourne. That comes at a cost. Of course, they can use the cheaper option and use teleconferences and the like. Look, I appreciate that it does get expensive. I appreciate that we are in worsening economic conditions and that’s what’s brought this about. People are choosing not to necessarily fly if they can avoid it, because it’s just too costly for their businesses. They are also already struggling with high energy bills and just the cost of opening the doors. You know, with a Government that is beholden to the unions, there does come a time when businesses make these decisions as to whether, in fact, they will fly to Melbourne or not. I get the fact that when a plane is only half full, that Qantas must decide. So I understand all the ramifications. I understand why the decision has been made, but I’m still not happy with it.
Patrick MORROW
Thank you, Michael, for speaking with us.
Michael McCORMACK
Thanks, Patrick. All the best. See you.
ENDS