Katter campaigning to cut airfares
MOUNT Isa MP Robbie Katter will push the major parties to introduce a policy to pressure Qantas to lower the cost of regional airfares in order to win his support in a hung parliament.
The Katter’s Australian Party Leader said it would be a major election issue with voters in western Queensland towns such as Mount Isa and Moranbah, who are paying “through the nose” to fly to Brisbane.
Mr Katter said he had been told stories of families taking out personal loans of up to $ 6000 so they could fly to a family funeral in Brisbane.
“These are real stories, they are heartbreaking and if you want a burning issue … out there in key regional seats that could change the course of this election, look no further than airline pricing,” he said.
“People are paying now $ 1100 to go from Moranbah to Brisbane. They’re going to be angry.”
In light of the situation, Mr Katter awarded Qantas CEO Alan Joyce the “un- Australian of the year award”.
“Airlines will take advantage of … situations where they can, and they can do that in remote areas where you have a 20hour drive to visit loved ones.”
Mr Katter said he hoped his party could win five seats in the November 25 state election.
They currently hold two seats, with himself and Dalrymple MP Shane Knuth, but Mr Knuth has been disadvantaged by a major boundary redistribution which has basically forced him into a different electorate.