The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today that it is prepared to support potential buyers of struggling regional airline Rex or intervene directly should no buyers emerge.
The announcement comes as a major relief to workers and passengers who rely on Rex’s critical regional routes. It also marks a significant turning point in rebuilding an aviation industry that serves the public good rather than corporate interests.
The TWU has long advocated for the Federal Government to take an equity stake in Rex to safeguard jobs and provide certainty for regional Australia. Unlike the former Coalition government’s approach of handing out billions in taxpayer dollars to companies like Qantas—who subsequently engaged in illegal sackings of 1,800 workers—the current government has pledged to attach strict conditions to any funding, ensuring good governance and quality service for regional communities.
The Federal Government has already committed $80 million to ensure early access to entitlements for redundant workers left in limbo during administration and has taken on $50 million of the airline’s debt.
Public sentiment strongly supports government intervention in Rex and broader aviation industry reforms. A YouGov poll commissioned by the TWU in October revealed that:
- 71% of Australians support Federal Government intervention to ensure Rex continues servicing critical regional routes.
- 75% believe the Government should take an equity stake when bailing out failing companies such as Rex.
- 74% back the creation of an independent commission to set standards for jobs and services in aviation.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine hailed the announcement as a “huge moment” for the aviation sector, providing certainty for workers, businesses, and passengers who depend on Rex’s regional network for essential travel, including healthcare appointments and family connections.
“This is a vital step towards a future where aviation actually works for the people of this country, not just its overpaid executives,” Kaine said. “It is hugely promising to see the Federal Government investing in the future of regional Australia and the aviation industry, ensuring that Rex can keep flying its critical routes in the long term.”
Kaine criticised the previous mismanagement of the aviation industry, where executives continued to receive massive bonuses while workers faced job losses and passengers endured unreliable services.
“Workers and passengers are sick to death of airline and airport executives cashing in bonuses while they’re not sure if they’ll have a job or if their flight will actually get off the ground,” he said.
While welcoming today’s announcement, Kaine emphasised the need for further reform to address long-standing issues in the sector.
“There’s a lot left to fix in aviation. We need a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to reverse the trend of plummeting standards and restore a decent aviation industry that acts for public good.”
The TWU continues to advocate for greater government oversight in aviation to ensure long-term stability, fair treatment of workers, and reliable services for passengers across Australia.
