australia's new government expects to take a fresh look at a number of aviation issues.
Anthony Albanese, the new transport minister, has confirmed in one of his first decisions that negotiations with the USA over a revised bilateral will proceed as planned in mid-February. But he has not yet revealed whether he shares the enthusiasm of his predecessor for an Open Skies regime with the Americans.
The new immigration minister has made clear that he will not tolerate the use of temporary foreign workers during an airline strike, setting a different tone from the previous government. This comes in response to claims that Qantas might import such workers during a strike threatened by its engineers.
On two other issues, airlines are hoping the new government under prime minister Kevin Rudd will take a new look at old issues. Qantas has asked it to consider accelerated depreciation on aircraft purchases, and Singapore Airlines plans to revive its request for fifth freedoms beyond Australia to the USA. Australia's previous government rejected Singapore's request, but the airline says it will make the new government aware of its continued interest in this route.
Other issues that could surface involve handicap discrimination claims against two airlines and a move by more Australian states to tax aviation insurance. The perennial question of a second Sydney airport could also rise again.
Source: Airline Business
