VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCEMENT

TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MANAGER OF OPPOSITION BUSINESS
MEMBER FOR WATSON
 
CATHERINE KING MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEMBER FOR BALLARAT
 
 

This is another sad day for Australian aviation, Australian workers and regional communities.
 
Labor’s thoughts are with Virgin Australia’s 9,000 workers and their families on what will no doubt be another difficult day.
 
When Scott Morrison took the decision to refuse support to Virgin Australia he left the future of the airline up in the air.
 
In preferring a “market-led solution” to Virgin Australia’s difficulties, the Morrison Government has now ensured that thousands of workers will lose their jobs and regional centres around Australia will lose the flight routes on which they rely.
 
This is the latest in a long line of government missteps when it comes to the aviation sector.
 
Scott Morrison decided to deny JobKeeper to thousands of essential aviation workers, he waited too long to save thousands of jobs at Qantas, and he allowed Virgin Australia to fall into administration, resulting in the loss of thousands more jobs.

In the face of such government inaction, Labor commends Virgin Australia, the independent administrators and Bain Capital for protecting as many workers and as much of the airline as possible. We encourage them to work closely with unions and workers throughout this process.
 
With continuing domestic and international border closures, it is clear that ongoing support will be required across the aviation sector to ensure we do not see further avoidable job losses.

WEDNESDAY, 5 AUGUST 2020