Next week’s Federal Budget must include a line item at least matching the Coalition commitment to the cost of security scanning at the Whyalla Airport according to the Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey.
“Our March Budget included a top-up of $28.5m for the Regional Airport Screening Infrastructure Program to assist with the cost of running scanners at regional airports with comparatively low passenger numbers,” Mr Ramsey said.
“I made the case back in 2018 when the security rules changed, that Whyalla was the worst affected airport in Australia and our passengers could simply not absorb the $50 a head cost of running the scanners.”
“The new rules stipulated aircraft with a seating capacity in excess of 40 must have full scanning which includes our Qantas flights,” Mr Ramsey said. “The rule changes dictated the airport had to be extended, remodelled and expensive scanning equipment installed.”
As a result the Commonwealth Government provided $6.7m for airport upgrades and the installation of the scanners.
Mr Ramsey said that while he was greatly appreciative of the capital assistance, he made the case with Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton that because of the relatively low passenger numbers, Whyalla simply could not absorb the ongoing cost of operating the scanners of about $1m a year.
“Consequently, a fund was put in place to assist airports like Whyalla which I understand is close to exhaustion,” Mr Ramsey said. “Our March Budget which provided ongoing support was not passed because we lost the election and it is now incredibly urgent that the Albanese Government includes at least the same ongoing commitment in next week’s Budget as we had provided.”
“Without such support it will be highly unlikely Qantas will be able to service the city.”
“Such an outcome at a time when there is so much focus on new investment in Whyalla would be a serious setback.”
“Next week’s Budget simply must include that support,” he concluded.
Media contact: Courtney Stephens 8821 4366
17 October, 2022
