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Three-quarters of Australians would approve of the federal government taking an equity stake in Rex, according to a new poll.
The YouGov poll for the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), which surveyed a representative sample of 1,044 Australians, found that 71 per cent approved of the federal government stepping in to support Rex in maintaining its regional network.
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Additionally, 75 per cent agreed that “if the Australian government spends taxpayer funds to bail out private companies, it should insist on receiving part share or take ownership of those companies in return for this money”.
The government has supported Rex’s regional operations during the airline’s administration, including guaranteeing passengers will “fly or get their money back”, and moving to safeguard its slots at Sydney Airport.
TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said there is “overwhelming public support” for the government to intervene, including taking a stake in the airline.
“The public is sick to death of Qantas-style corporate immortality in aviation. They want the Government to civilise the sector and end this awful cycle where executives hoover up the cash in the good times and then come with a begging bowl when things get hard,” Kaine said.
“Regional Australia needs Rex, and this poll shows overwhelming support for the Federal Government to step in and safeguard its future.
“Not only are hundreds of aviation jobs on the line, but these routes are also critical to regional Australia’s business, tourism, healthcare and community services. The Federal Government must keep Rex flying.”
Kaine reiterated the union’s calls for a “Safe and Secure Skies Commission” to better regulate aviation, saying the sector in its current state is “failing workers, passengers and regional Australia”; according to the survey, 74 per cent supported establishing such a commission.
“Since 2020 we’ve seen the exit of Tiger and Bonza, and the administration of Rex. The constant instability in this sector, driven by Qantas relentlessly pursuing profits and crushing new entrants breeds deep uncertainty for aviation workers and the broader public,” he said.
“The Federal Government must put in place a long-term solution that will provide certainty for regional Australia, as well as ensure decent standards for workers and the travelling public.”
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King has repeatedly indicated that the government does not want Rex to fail.
“Rex operates one of Australia’s largest regional air networks and provides essential connectivity to move people and critical freight on 41 routes to regional and remote communities, including 21 routes that are only serviced by Rex,” Minister King said in August.
“Rex’s continuation is in the best interests of Australia – and the Government is working closely with the administrators to ensure a strong regional aviation presence now and into the future.”
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says:This subject is very complicated and there is no quick and easy fix. Firstly yes, the Oz regions must have their essential air services back asap but, will the remains of Rex be able to support those needs, I think that unlikely. In the short-term Govt. support and assistance must continue and by now surely the administrators must have a firm idea as to what action can and must be taken for a resolution. Govt. is not equipped to manage and run an airline nor should they, I am also mindful of the “Boss lady’s” recent comment that Rex-Link may not be out of the question???!!! so, I think we should be looking in that direction. Clearly a newer fleet would have to be and, how long will that take to action and implement? – many months, maybe 18 or more. Despite all the hype and criticism emanating from the TWU I think they would best be occupied in coming up with a positive, sane and workable solution and be a part of the relief effort rather than a spiteful critic. Unfortunately, we are stuck with this problem for some time and I think Govt. has it’s mind on what to them is more important and I don’t think airlines are on that list.