Regional airfare inquiry recommendations supported

• Recommendations to be further explored in review of State Aviation Strategy
• Completion of inquiry marks delivery of McGowan Government election commitment
• Consultation for State Aviation Strategy review to begin  

The State Government has considered and responded to all 48 findings and 13 recommendations from the Final Report of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Regional Airfares, released on November 30, 2017.

The implementation of the supported recommendations arising from the inquiry will be carried out via a review of the State Aviation Strategy, which will be overseen by a cross-department working group chaired by the Department of Transport.

The review of the State Aviation Strategy will largely focus on unregulated air routes in Western Australia, with community engagement central to the work to be conducted.

The State Government looks forward to increased and proactive community engagement by airlines around issues of price, service levels and opportunities to further develop aviation in the regions.

In the next 12 months, the Government will engage extensively with airlines, local governments, the mining industry, corporations and communities. The collection of data and feedback is essential to the success of the State Aviation Strategy review and will be used to provide a policy framework going forward.

Collaboration and innovation between all relevant stakeholders will be critical to finding new and better ways to improving air services to regional WA in the future.

Of the 13 recommendations outlined in the report, 12 are either fully supported or supported in principle. The recommendation relating to government approvals for new mining airstrips operating close to existing Regular Public Transport airports will be investigated further.

The interdepartmental working group will report regularly to the Government on the progress of the review. For updates on the review of the State Aviation Strategy, visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/airservicesWA

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The McGowan Government made an election commitment to hold an inquiry into the high cost of regional airfares and we have delivered on this promise.  

"The unprecedented response to the inquiry into regional airfares demonstrates that high airfares are a big issue for Western Australians, particularly for those living, working or visiting regional WA.

"The State supports the majority of the recommendations and will explore each in more detail through a review of the State Aviation Strategy, with a new strategy expected to be released in 2020, providing a framework for aviation in WA for years to come.

"The State will also enact powers under the Transport Co-ordination Act 1966 to request route data from airlines on unregulated routes, which will assist in building a better understanding and monitoring of airfares and airline performance in WA."

Minister's office - 6552 5500