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Transport Minister Catherine King has introduced Sydney slot reform legislation to Parliament.
The Sydney Airport Demand Management Amendment Bill implements a number of changes to take-off slots in Sydney, though stops short of changing the controversial “80/20 rule”.
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Currently, an airline can keep a take-off slot indefinitely as long as it operates the slot at least 80 per cent of the time, a rule whose architect – Rex chairman John Sharp, who implemented it when he was in government – now calls it “too generous”.
The reforms include more transparency and accountability measures such as civil penalties for “slot hoarding”, as well as improving access to peak slots for new entrants and regional carriers, and the implementation of a “recovery period” to temporarily boost the airport’s capacity after major disruptions.
The bill comes just over a month after the Government released its Aviation White Paper with consumer protections at the forefront.
“These reforms are all about delivering better outcomes for the travelling public, by supporting an efficient, resilient and competitive Sydney Airport, and we look forward to the opposition’s support for the legislation,” said Minister King.
“From better monitoring airline performance and pricing to improving outcomes for travellers with disabilities and creating the first Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme – the Albanese Government is undertaking the most significant aviation reform agenda in a decade, delivering reforms that were left in the too hard basket by the previous government.
“Along with the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026, this reform package will enable a more competitive, transparent and productive aviation network for years to come.”
The Government has already moved on several steps to address slot issues at Sydney, including an independent audit of slot usage; a competitive tender process has also been opened up for slot management, which is currently handled by Airport Coordination Australia (ACA).
Airports peak body the Australian Airports Association (AAA) has welcomed what it says are the first significant Sydney slot reforms in 27 years.
“The current slots system has provided an unfair advantage for the airline duopoly at Sydney Airport, so these reforms are going to help level the playing field,” said the AAA’s head of policy and advocacy, Natalie Heazlewood.
“We hope to see them move as quickly as possible through Parliament so reforms can be enacted. Every day these changes are delayed is another day of constrained operations at Australia’s biggest airport, a key link for the domestic aviation network.
“We urge the government and opposition to work together on this much-needed legislation to ensure Australian passengers aren’t disadvantaged unnecessarily.”
