Government Ownership Should Be On The Table For Rex

STATEMENT ON REX AIRLINES BY HON. ANDREW GEE MP

I will back any Australian Government sup­port package for REX Airlines that ensures the survival of the airline and our crucial city/country airlinks.

I am also very supportive of the idea of the Australian Government taking an owner­ship stake in REX as part of a government rescue package.

I believe that an equity stake by the Aus­tralian Government could be a great result for regional Australia and taxpayers.

It would not only help the airline navigate this very worrying period but also serve as a valuable long-term investment in regional transportation and country communities.

In return for support, Australian taxpayers would gain equity in a critical country trans­port service, providing certainty to regional communities that these essential airlinks are here to stay.

I believe Australian Government owner­ship would be welcomed by country people right around our nation.

At stake is not only the survival of an air­line but vital airlinks which are crucial for business, tourism, medical services and the economic growth and prosperity of country Australia.

I urge continued proactive federal govern­ment engagement with the Administrators of REX to secure a successful outcome for regional communities.

Any rescue package must be timely and effective and it must preserve as many jobs as possible.