[Greens-Media] Greens to move for Qantas Inquiry

[Jegatheeswaran, Brami (Jegan) (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

Media Release
Monday, March 3

Greens to move for Qantas Inquiry

The Greens will move for a urgent Senate inquiry into how the government can ensure a Qantas remains a viable national carrier.

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon will give notice of the inquiry on Monday and QANTAS CEO Alan Joyce, will be asked to attend and give evidence.

Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt MP said:

“We are an island country that has a safe, locally owned airline. Why would we want to give it up?”

“It is becoming clearer by the day that Tony Abbott has no plan for Qantas beyond selling it off to a government -backed overseas airline.”

“The government needs a viable plan for Qantas and to stop local jobs being offshored.”

“The government has no plan to support Qantas, so this Senate inquiry will develop one.”

“Qantas will be asked to open its books so that the public can be sure any government support won’t just be underwriting the offshoring of Qantas.”

Senator Lee Rhiannon said:

“This is an opportunity for the Senate to bring forward a solution that will protect the thousands of workers and their families who will pay the price if Abbott and Joyce get away with their brutal plans for Qantas.”

“With the Abbott government overseeing the dismantling of key Australian industries the Greens are stepping up our work inside and outside parliament to protect Australian jobs.”

“The decision by Alan Joyce to sack more than 5000 workers, nearly a sixth of the total workforce, and Tony Abbott's lack of leadership on this is unacceptable.“

Terms of Reference

That the following matter, be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 18 March 2014:

(1) A plan to support Qantas as a national carrier. The Committee must consider what plan should be implemented to ensure Qantas remains a strong national carrier with jobs onshore, including:

(a) Options available to the federal government:

(i)     a debt guarantee;
(ii)    a debt guarantee with conditions to protect local jobs, wages, conditions and services;
(iii)   a federal government loan;
(iv)    an equity stake in Qantas; or
(v)     any other forms of support.

(b) The levels and forms of government support received by other international airlines.

(c) The ownership structures of other international airlines.

(d) The impact on Qantas workers and the wider community of the announced job cuts and other measures, such as a wages freeze for all employees and route cuts.

(2) That the Committee hold at least one public hearing and invite the Chief Executive Officer of Qantas Airways to appear before the Committee.

Contact:

Damien Lawson (Mr Bandt) 0487 900 005
Brami Jegan (Senator Rhiannon) 0487 350 880



Brami Jegan
Media Adviser 0487 350 880
Office of Senator Lee Rhiannon | Australian Greens Senator for New South Wales

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http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/

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