Feds exploring help for airlines

DEPUTY Prime Minister Michael McCormack has welcomed Queensland’s $200 million commitment to ailing airline Virgin Australia and insists the Morrison Government is also exploring all avenues to keep airlines flying.

But federal Labor said Queensland’s approach stood in stark contrast to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s “piecemeal approach” to aviation which is putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk.

Mr McCormack said sustaining Australia’s aviation industry was critical to protecting livelihoods and saving lives.