Senator Birmingham noted that there are no recent developments on the subject;
He pointed out, in fact, that this is an unpleasant event, either for those who want to visit Australia or want to travel abroad, as the Qatari airline, was poised to increase its flight capacity even this Christmas. He said that this means more expensive air tickets and less availability of seats, because, as the government argued, it refuses to review its decision based on reasons that constitute a ragged argument.
Government decision against proposals
He stressed that the federal government, came to this decision, according to what has been revealed in Senate Committees of Inquiry, contrary to the recommendations of the independent administrative officials of the relevant ministry;
As he explained, their proposal, was in favor of opening negotiations with the Qatar airline, for the increase in the number of flights, but, in the end, this proposal remained in the “drawers” of the minister for six months, until it was finally rejected; he pointed out that the explanations of the government, in relation to
The reasons for the decision to reject Qatar's request were not specific, and varied from medium to medium, and ultimately showed that the government had succumbed to pressure from Qantas and the airlines it works with to prevent competition in the Australian aviation market. “And that means that Australia, and our businesses “They are paying the price,” he said. It's Birmingham.
Air of scandal
Explaining what this means for the Australian economy and for Australian consumers, Senator Birmingham, noted that after the pandemic, in the year ending September 2023, 6.6 million tourists came to the country, which is equivalent to, with 30% fewer arrivals compared to the year ending in September of in 2019.
He stressed that this hurts both Australian businesses, but Australians with overseas ties also come out harmed who are being asked to pay more expensive tickets.In conclusion, Mr. Birmingham stressed that the way the government decision was made has an air of scandal, as it seems that the minister, Catherine King, has been influenced by the thoughts of other airlines, who could benefit financially from the rejection of this proposal.
