Nationals WA MLC Julie Freeman has called on the Cook Labor Government to guarantee it will not further increase the Regional Airfare Zone Cap, following reports that local governments and airport operators have been warned to contain airport fees and charges or risk pressure on the scheme.
Ms Freeman said regional Western Australians were rightly frustrated that essential airfare support appeared to be under threat while taxpayer funds were being used to help fly interstate visitors to Perth for soccer matches.
“It is extraordinary that the Government is prepared to spend taxpayer money helping eastern states visitors fly to Perth to watch soccer, while asking local governments to absorb the cost of maintaining affordable airfares for regional residents,” she said.
Ms Freeman said letters had been received by local governments and private airport operators asking them to freeze airport fees and charges. Concerns had been heightened by comments made during Budget Estimates hearings yesterday.
“During Estimates, the Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister said the Government did not foresee changes to the zone cap in the immediate future,” Ms Freeman said.
“If that is the case, why are local governments and airport operators being warned that rising costs could result in changes to the scheme?
“Regional communities deserve certainty, not mixed messages. They should not be treated as an afterthought while the Government spends taxpayer money attracting soccer fans from interstate.
“Regional Western Australians generate billions of dollars for our economy and deserve confidence that affordable access to air travel will remain a priority.”
Shadow Minister for Local Government Kirrilee Warr MLA said local governments should not be pressured into carrying the burden of maintaining the scheme.
“Local governments are already being asked to do more with less, and now the Cook Labor Government is urging regional areas to avoid increasing airport fees,” Ms Warr said.
“The State Government must ensure the cap is maintained without shifting costs onto local governments or undermining their capacity to provide essential local services.”
Ms Freeman said regional residents had already been hit with a 30 per cent increase to the Regional Airfare Zone Cap after the Cook Labor Government broke its election promise not to increase it.
“Labor has already broken its promise once and imposed a 30 per cent hike on regional airfares. Regional WA cannot afford another broken promise.”
