TTF MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 18 March 2020

AVIATION RELIEF WELCOME AND CRITICAL TO LONG TERM TOURISM REBUILD

The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has welcomed the Australian Government’s relief for the aviation sector which will ensure that tourism will be able to rebuild in the wake of the coronavirus.

TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said the measures announced by the new Joint Federal and State and Territory Cabinet late on Tuesday will provide much needed relief during this critical period.

“TTF has consistently called for less fees, taxes and charges on the aviation sector, Australia’s gateway industry and this relief is critical to keeping aviation on its feet,” Margy Osmond said.

“The measures approved include temporarily waiving the fees airlines pay to Air Services Australia as well as the excise on aviation fuel and regional aviation charges and this total $715 million in relief would equate to upfront benefits of some $159 million.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Aviation Minister Michael McCormack and Joint Cabinet have clearly acknowledged the direct impact of coronavirus on our aviation sector and have acted swiftly to provide this effective short-term support.

“This comes on top of the very significant allocation of $1 billion for tourism regions and communities that have been disproportionately affected, to be administered by Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham.

“From airlines, airports and accommodation providers, to metropolitan and regional attractions, transport operators and cruise ships, our sector will continue to work closely with the Australian Government on supportive measures as we move through this exceptionally challenging period.

“We are a resilient sector and we will bounce back, as we have done in the past. We are a one-of-a-kind destination and when the time comes, we will collectively rally to ensure the world knows that there is still nothing like Australia.”

Please find below a copy of the recently released report

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Media Contact: TTF Manager Policy & Government Relations Lindsay Hermes lhermes@ttf.org.au I 0418 948 447