Dissenting
Report by Australian Greens Senator
Christine Milne
The Committee
itself recognises that ,“ it is
inevitable that the proposed legislation will encourage Australian operators to
either reduce standards of employment or employment opportunities for cabin
crew and pilots or encourage operators to move offshore. The Committee
believes that this may not be in the best interests of the industry or the
travelling public, particularly if it results in the reduction of standards of
safety Australian passengers enjoy.” Paragraph
2.40.
Whilst the majority report has taken
into account the concerns that were raised in the inquiry by the Australian
Federation of Air Pilots and the Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia
regarding potential job losses and reductions in airline safety from
implementation of the legislation, it has reached a conclusion inconsistent
with this evidence and its own analysis.
The legislation simplifies the ability
for airline operators to transfer aircraft operations between Australia and New
Zealand. This may encourage operators to shift business to whichever country
provides greater cost saving measures, with a potential loss of jobs from the
Australian airline industry.
While both Australia and New Zealand
meet International Civil Aviation Organisation safety standards, these provide
only a minimum safety standard. The Australian and New Zealand aviation safety
regulations are not equivalent, and there were significant concerns raised
during the inquiry about the differences in cabin crew to passenger ratios
which had a potential impact on safety. An unintended consequence of the
legislation is that there would be different safety standards for Australian
airline operators and foreign airline operators both flying over Australia. To
recognise safety concerns and then to recommend that the legislation be passed,
is inconsistent with the government’s policy of upgrading airline security.
The Australian Greens cannot support
legislation that results in Australian airline operators reducing standards of
employment or employment opportunities for cabin crew and pilots, or moving
their operations offshore, or reductions in safety standards for airline
passengers.
Recommendation:
Unintended consequences become intended consequences when
they are known. In recommending that the Bill be passed, this Committee is
condoning the known inevitable consequences which are clearly not in the best
interest of Australian workers, operators or the travelling public. The bill
should not be passed.
Senator Christine Milne
Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania
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