Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee (part 1 of 2) — hearing of 11 September 2026: transcript & video · Polyfact

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Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee (part 1 of 2)

11 September 2026

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Contents updated on 11 Sept 2026

The committee hears from Rex on its voluntary administration, Commonwealth support and PAG acquisition, escalating airport and Airservices charges, fleet and engine financing, and how these factors affect capacity, fares, consumer rights reforms and the sustainability of thin regional routes within both competitive and regulated frameworks.

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Rex Airlines — financial distress, policy pressures and regional network viability

36:02

Committee opening and Rex witnesses introduced

36:02

Rex opening statement — network, administration, policy asks

37:45

Rex Q&A — Melbourne Airport charges and Airservices fees

42:30

Rex fleet loans, engine overhauls and ageing Saab economics

50:16

Rex capacity, Get ‘Em Flying fund and network scale

01:02:45

Consumer protection bill — Rex concerns on delay compensation

01:03:32

Commonwealth support during Rex administration and liquidation risk

01:06:09

Route profitability, competition on thin markets and regulated models

01:11:33

Queensland & WA regulated routes and community engagement

01:18:11

Royal Flying Doctor Service — dependence on regional aviation and airstrip quality

01:29:56

RFDS opening — scale of aeromedical operations and airstrip issues

01:29:56

RFDS reliance on regional airlines and high staff travel costs

01:37:35

Patient assisted travel schemes and intrastate subsidy models

01:42:19

RFDS costs, landing fees and coordination with other providers

01:50:07

Airservices Australia — pricing reforms, ARFF investment and workforce constraints

01:58:09

Airservices Australia opening — pricing proposal and regional spend

01:58:09

Sydney and Melbourne delays — staffing shortfalls and attribution

02:01:58

Regional delay impact and Airservices pricing structure (Albury vs Melbourne)

02:08:11

Sector capacity to absorb Airservices rises and passenger compensation

02:18:08

Asset renewal, ARFF Next Gen program and capital drivers of price rises

02:21:03

ATC workforce strategy, overtime reliance and Sydney shortages

02:23:39

Cairns ARFF temporary facilities and firefighter trust issues

02:34:54

Early retirement scheme for controllers and training pipeline risks

02:41:02

ARFF station ages, life‑extension and post‑COVID capex pause

02:46:06

Airservices’ core purpose, safety priorities and views on levies

02:53:08

Regional airports and councils — security costs, infrastructure funding and connectivity gaps

03:47:11

RDA Mid North Coast opening — airfare disparities and island challenges

03:47:11

Regional infrastructure funding ideas and Lord Howe/Norfolk case studies

04:00:12

Whyalla and Broome openings — single‑carrier dependency and high security costs

04:27:18

Whyalla airport deficits, Rex exit and $54 security charge

04:42:30

National security levy concept and whether councils would relinquish airports

04:55:45

Broome — high costs, border role and blocked international potential

05:05:39

Regional Capitals Australia opening — airports as essential infrastructure

05:27:09

Dubbo airport case — RFDS, RFS and runway strengthening

05:38:45

Health access, ageing pavements and need for a long‑term funding pathway

05:51:02

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Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee (part 1 of 2)

11 September 2026

Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee Fri, 11 Sept 2026 Australian Parliament

36:01 - 37:32

Speaker 16

I declare open this hearing of the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee into regional aviation. I'm the chair, Senator Ross Cadell. I'm joined by Senator Josh Delega and Senator Jackie Lambie. Welcome all. These are public proceedings, being recorded and live video streamed via the Parliament's website and a Hansard transcript is being made.

I remind all witnesses that in giving evidence to the committee they are protected by parliamentary privilege. It is unlawful for anyone to threaten or disadvantage a witness on account of evidence given to a committee, and any such action may be treated by the Senate as a contempt. It is also a contempt to give false or misleading evidence. Witnesses also have the right to request to be heard in camera. If a witness objects to answering a question, they should state the ground on which the objection is made, and the committee will determine whether it will insist on an answer, having regard to under which the ground is claimed.

If the committee determines to insist upon an answer, a witness may request that the answer be given in camera. I also remind senators their obligations under the behavioral code for Australian parliamentarians to treat witnesses with dignity, courtesy, fairness and respect. And finally, I remind witnesses who are appearing via video conference, which I don't think is anyone. Not here. To mute their microphones.

I now welcome Mr. Howell and Mr. Lodge from Regional Express Airlines, otherwise known as Rex. I understand that information on parliamentary privilege and protection of witnesses giving evidence to Senate committees has been provided to you both, is that correct?

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