Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has expressed concern following the news that regional airline Rex has entered voluntary administration.
Flights between Melbourne and Hobart have been cancelled for the indefinite future, while regional services to King Island, Burnie and Devonport remain in operation.
In Parliament on Wednesday, the Premier emphasised the importance of maintaining aviation capacity within the state, particularly for regional and rural communities and businesses that rely on essential products, services and connections.
“These aviation services are also important to our tourism and hospitality industries which inject around $3.5 billion in visitor spending into the Tasmanian economy,” he said.
Rockliff said he had contacted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss the situation and stress the significance of Rex’s regional services, especially along the north-west coast.
“I welcomed his openness to exploring options to support regional routes. This is appreciated,” he said.
“I have made it clear that we can’t afford for our regional services to stop as the social and economic impact would be significant.”
Minister for Transport Eric Abetz has also written to his federal counterpart and the Department of State Growth is working with the King Island Council and shipping and freight companies to ensure that the island has adequate supplies and services.
“I have spoken to the Mayors of King Island, Burnie and Devonport and will continue to do so as the situation unfolds. I will also keep in regular contact with key stakeholders in Devonport and Burnie,” Rockliff said.
“I will continue to be briefed on the situation as it unfolds and will update the community as new information becomes available.”
He said he remains “hopeful” of a positive outcome for regional communities.
