REGIONAL people should be provided subsidised travel options, says Farrer independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe.
It comes as the Federal Governments announced it would consider acquiring Rex Airlines to ensure the continuity of regional air services.
Ms Milthorpe has called for a policy to provide subsidised travel options for regional Australians.
“This initiative is crucial given the challenges faced by residents of the electorate of Farrer in accessing major cities for essential services,” she said.
“Regional Australians face significant barriers when travelling to major cities compared to their metropolitan counterparts.
“Flights from regional areas are often less frequent and more expensive than those between metropolitan areas, making day trips impractical.
“This forces regional travellers to incur additional expenses for accommodation and take extended leave from work, exacerbating financial burdens.”
Ms Milthorpe said she was made aware of a flight made from Griffith to Sydney at a cost of $480 one way.
“When people send me screenshots of one-way regional flights costing over $400, while a quick search shows Sydney to Brisbane flights available all day for as little as $110 – and no more than $240 – it’s yet another example of regional Australians paying a premium for essential travel,” she said.
Ms Milthorpe said many regional residents must travel to major cities for specialist medical appointments or to access services no longer available locally.
“The lack of affordable travel options hinders their ability to participate fully in the economy and access essential services,” she said.
“With Rex Airlines facing financial uncertainty, ensuring reliable and affordable air travel is more critical than ever.
“People living in regional areas shouldn’t have to pay more or take multiple days off work just to access specialist medical care or attend a business meeting.”
It’s not just about keeping planes in the air, Ms Milthorpe said.
“We need to make sure regional Australians can actually afford to use them,” she said.
Ms Milthorpe is advocating for a subsidised travel program for regional Australians, with key objectives.
This included implementing subsidies to make regional flights more affordable, bringing them in line with major city routes, and working with airlines like QantasLink and Rex to increase frequency and enable practical day trips at times suitable for all passengers.
“Our regional communities contribute so much to Australia, yet they face constant barriers when trying to access the services and opportunities that city residents take for granted,” Ms Milthorpe said.
“This is about fairness. It’s about ensuring regional Australians can travel affordably and without unnecessary obstacles.”
