The Hon Kristy McBain

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro

KEEPING THE COMMUNITY UPDATED ON REX

The Albanese Government recognises the importance of having a strong regional aviation sector to support communities on the Far South Coast to run their businesses, stay connected to family and friends, and to access health and other services.

The Government recently confirmed it will guarantee regional flight bookings for Rex customers throughout the voluntary administration process.

This will ensure people on the Far South Coast can book Rex flights with confidence, or get their money back if flights don’t go ahead.

In addition to this, the Government is protecting Rex’s regional NSW slots at Sydney Airport, announcing that it will suspend the ‘use it or lose it’ test on these slot holdings for the current and upcoming scheduling season to late March 2026.

This is good news for Far South Coast communities, because it means Rex continues to have competitive access to Sydney airport for its regional flights, without those slots being impacted by the decline in their other services.

In a meeting today with Merimbula Tourism Inc – which represents over 146 tourism businesses and services in the Merimbula and Pambula area, Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a strong regional aviation sector.

This commitment forms part of the Government’s plan to overhaul the aviation sector – with its new Aviation White Paper now released.

An independent Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme and a Charter of Customer Rights will be established.

Through this, the Government will support regional and general aviation, increase competition, and boost consumer rights – outlining the fair and appropriate treatment of customers, including what airlines must do in the event flights are cancelled and delayed.

The Productivity Commission will also hold a review into regional airfares.

The Aviation White Paper can be found at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/aviation-white-paper

Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“Rex’s decision to enter voluntary administration has been upsetting for our community, because we rely on these flights to get around, to access key services, to run our businesses, and to uplift our local economy.

“Today’s meeting with Merimbula Tourism Inc was an important opportunity to provide a face-to-face update on the Government’s commitment to a strong regional aviation sector – something I’ll continue to advocate for.

“From guaranteeing Rex’s regional flights during the voluntary administration process, to protecting their slots at Sydney airport – people on the Far South Coast can continue to book with confidence, or get their money back if flights are cancelled.”