THE HON KRISTY MCBAIN MP

MEMBER FOR EDEN-MONARO

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

The Government has today announced it will provide up to $80 million in loan financing to keep Rex’s regional routes running during an extension of the voluntary administration process – through to 30 June 2025.

Administrators will seek this extension from the Federal Court of Australia, with the Government’s financing to ensure regional travellers can continue to access these critical aviation services.

The Government will continue to guarantee ticket sales made throughout the Voluntary Administration to 30 June 2025, should the Federal Court agree to the extension application.

This will ensure regional people, including on the Far South Coast, can continue to book with confidence, or get their money back if flights do not go ahead – with this guarantee yet to be used, and flight bookings holding up well.

The Government has also agreed to grant former Rex employees early access to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee during the voluntary administration process, which will ensure its extension does not delay access to their entitlements. 

In addition, Rex’s administrators and main secured creditor PAG have advised they will pay the entitlements of former employees of the regional business who have been made redundant during the Voluntary Administration period. 

Earlier this year, the Government also suspended the ‘use it or lose it’ test on Rex’s regional NSW slots at Sydney Airport, through to late March 2026 – ensuring a decline in other services does not impact regional flight access.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will continue to work with Administrators, as they work to implement a turnaround strategy for Rex’s regional aviation business.

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

“Today’s announcement is good news for Far South Coast communities, because it reaffirms the Albanese Government’s commitment to maintaining critical regional aviation services.

“Providing this loan will keep Rex’s regional routes running during an extension of the voluntary administration process.

“It means people on the Far South Coast can continue to book with confidence, or get their money back if flights are cancelled.

“We rely on these flights to get around, to access services, to run our businesses, and to uplift our local economy – which is why I’ll continue to advocate for a strong regional aviation sector.”