Lobby for airlines to salute ADF

MAJOR airlines would have to broadcast an onboard tribute to Australian Defence Force members and let them board first in a proposal by Malcolm Turnbull’s Assistant Minister.

Queensland Senator James McGrath has set up a petition and written to airline bosses urging them to recognise the sacrifices made by current and former personnel.

While Qantas chief executive officer Alan Joyce campaigns for gay marriage, the Bundy Rum and Milo- loving senator wants Australia’s national airliner, plus Jetstar and Virgin, to do their bit to honour those who fought for their country.

Senator McGrath said the idea came after a meeting with Rick Ralph, the acting chairman of Mates4Mates, which helps wounded or sick former and current ADF personnel.

“Mr Ralph noted the positive impact that acknowledgment and recognition of our servicemen and women within the community can have on their mental health and wellbeing,” Senator McGrath wrote to the airlines.

“To this end, Mr Ralph and I would like to see Australia’s major airlines contribute to and encourage this spirit of recognition by offering current and retired ADF personnel priority boarding in all domestic and international flights and incorporating into the airlines’ cabin announcements an acknowledgment of their service to our country.

“I strongly believe that his initiative would be met with the enthusiastic approval of the Australian public and I trust it will be met with yours.”

Mr Ralph said the sacrifices made by ADF members should be recognised.

“Mates4Mates wholeheartedly supports this move and believes that this is a great Australian initiative,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Virgin said it was reviewing the proposal but Qantas said while it supported members of the armed forces, it would not be making announcements.

“We fly people who do amazing, selfless things every day,” a Qantas spokesman said.