Aviation White Paper released
The Albanese Government will boost consumer rights, increase competition, support regional and general aviation, and help the sector decarbonise under the most significant overhaul of aviation for more than a decade.
A new Aviation White Paper will create the framework to give passengers a better deal while ensuring the industry maintains Australia’s strong safety record.
The White Paper includes 56 policies setting the direction for the industry.
The centrepiece is an independent Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme and a new Charter of Customer Rights. The charter establishes a regime for the fair and appropriate treatment of customers, including actions the airline must take in the event of flight delays and cancellations.
Airlines will have a new requirement to “show cause” when flights are delayed or cancelled. The government will increase the transparency of airline performance, with more data on performance and competition to be published by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).
The White Paper also addresses the treatment of passengers and airport users with disabilities. The Government will create new aviation-specific disability standards, review industry compliance with those new standards, and require airlines and airports to coordinate their actions in assisting people with disability.
The Government will also implement measures to increase competition, including the changes underway to reform Sydney Airport slot management arrangements. The opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026 will be a genuine game-changer for access to the Sydney Basin.
Major airports are natural monopolies and appropriate oversight is needed so they do not misuse their market position. The ACCC will monitor the conduct of pricing negotiations between airlines and major airports - and the next Productivity Commission inquiry into the economic regulation of airports will advise whether stronger regulation is required.
The Government is acting to protect regional aviation through our ongoing response to Rex airlines going into voluntary administration.
Funding programs that support remote airstrip upgrades and regional airports have been expanded. The Productivity Commission will also hold a review into regional airfares.
The Government will also make the aircraft noise ombudsman independent of Airservices Australia and Defence, and improve engagement with communities affected by changes to airspace and flight paths.
The newly independent Aircraft Noise Ombuds role will have the power to conduct independent investigations into the handling of aircraft noise complaints, publish reports, and make recommendations directly to Government about the handling of noise complaints, community consultation processes and other matters.
A strong aviation sector needs a more skilled, responsive and diverse workforce. The Government is working to streamline training pathways, support more inclusive workplaces and ensure large airlines train their own pilots
Reducing emissions in the transport sector will require concerted effort. But there are opportunities in the aviation sector that will see a Future Made in Australia.
We are already investing in the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel and other low carbon liquid fuels (LCLF), with measures to support the development of a LCLF market.
The 2024 Aviation White Paper is the result of months of detailed consultations, 2,096 submissions and 22 roundtables.
Aviation is both a cornerstone of Australians’ way of life and critical to our national prosperity and security.
Only Labor Governments can be trusted to look after its future.
The Aviation White Paper can be found here: www.infrastructure.gov.au/AviationWhitePaper