THIS week we’ve heard yet another call for a federal government “corporate welfare”.
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Rex chief operating officer Garry Filmer has urged the Abbott government to intervene to help an aviation industry that is “financially haemorrhaging and approaching collapse”.
He warned many regional carriers “have little time left” before they face the same fate as Brindabella Airlines and Aeropelican.
In many ways, Rex provides a lifeline to the Eurobodalla out of the Moruya Airport.
It operates four flights a day at Moruya, drawing from an area which extends from Bermagui to Ulladulla.
Many of the shire’s health professionals use the Sydney to Moruya flight, flying in and out to provide much-needed specialist services closer to home.
Business-savvy residents fly in and out to work and the service provides an attractive option for tourists.
Eurobodalla Shire Council has long voiced its desire to upgrade the Moruya Airport – a move it says will attract more services and in turn boost local industry, tourism and employment.
To lose the service entirely would cause untold damage.
Rex’s call for help comes after Qantas sought government assistance last month, as did Holden and more recently SPC.
The nation will suffer without these iconic Australian companies with thousands of jobs lost and profits sent overseas.
But where does the government draw the line on what to save and what not?
And for how long should taxpayers prop up ailing industries?
In the face of massive globalisation, the fact is more companies will be put on the line.
Multinational corporations will continue to expand and eat up local businesses.
The federal government needs to step up to the plate with legislation which prevents market monopoly, to provide tighter regulations to control how ‘big business’ operates in Australia.
Australia needs proactive action, rather than reactive.
It’s at the country’s expense.