A Hobart-based Qantas pilot is facing an impossible choice between keeping his job and seeing his children, as the airline reviews the future of its Tasmanian flight crew base.
The pilot, one of around 30 staff affected by the potential closure, says he would be forced to relocate interstate if the base shuts down.
“I will be forced to choose between my job and children,” he said. “Leaving Hobart will mean no longer seeing my children.”
The revelation comes as QantasLink reviews operations at its Hobart base, putting 15 pilots and 15 cabin crew at risk.
A union survey shows 68% of affected pilots would seek alternative employment if the closure proceeds, with a further 25% undecided.
The timing has blindsided many workers. The airline endorsed pilot transfers to any base less than a year ago, on the premise all bases would continue operating.
“After promises that bases were safe, this is a swift kick in the guts,” another pilot said.
“Families have made major financial decisions based on assurances from management.”
One couple bought a house in December 2024, believing their base was secure. Another pilot moved to Canberra after the Perth base closed, only to face potential upheaval again.
“It would split my family up,” a Canberra-based pilot said. “My partner will not leave Canberra and I would have to leave my son.”
Transport Workers Union National Secretary Michael Kaine accused Qantas of treating workers as expendable.
“It is not enough that pilots have already uprooted their entire lives once after the last base closures, now they may have to do so again and make the impossible choice between their career and their loved ones,” he said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian government firmly opposes the closure and wants families and jobs to stay in the state.
He said Tourism Minister Jane Howlett has written to the CEO of QantasLink regarding the announcement to review operations at the base.
“[Tasmania] is an island state … access to our state is so critically important in terms of capacity, in terms of tourism industry and everything else,” he said.
Independent MP David O’Byrne said the state government must go in to bat for the local crew.
“I acknowledge Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s commitment to fight for these jobs to remain in Hobart,” he said.
“However, letters and words are not enough. I urge the premier to meet with QantasLink management to make the case for the base and these local jobs to be saved.”
The airline is consulting with affected staff, with no final decision made.
