Sunraysia residents are being encouraged to share their stories on the high cost of air travel as a key inquiry gets underway, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said today.

The Productivity Commission is conducting a public inquiry into the Determinants of regional airfares, saying “It is critical to the inquiry that we hear from communities, businesses, governments and individuals in regional areas across the country.”

As Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Dr Webster said she has asked the Commission to visit Mildura to hear first-hand the impact of high airfares on the region’s tourism and business development.

“I continue to call upon the Albanese Labor Government to take Mildura’s isolation seriously,” Dr Webster said.

“In late November I moved in Parliament that the Government ensure regional Australians retain access to competitive, affordable, sustainable and safe aviation services.”

“Air travel is part and parcel of life in regional Australia. Mildura is the most remote regional centre in Victoria. It is more than six hours drive from Melbourne and almost 4½ hours drive from Adelaide.

“Sunraysia's geographical isolation means that there are many instances where road travel takes far too long, is just not appropriate and dangerous. Air travel is essential not least to access health care and to visit family and friends but also as a connector and driver for our regional businesses and economies.”

A regular Mildura airport traveller herself, Dr Webster noted that while economy fares from Mildura to Melbourne or Sydney start at less than $200, those prices increase dramatically if a trip is needed at short notice, and stacks up if trying to take the family elsewhere in Australia.  Often, the second leg from a capital city to elsewhere in Australia costs less than travelling out of Mildura.

Dr Webster has met with Qantaslink and has been scathing both of their decision to close their Mildura base but also regarding the unreliability of services to Mildura.

“Regional Australia constantly suffers thin markets, and we are virtually captive to the Qantas monopoly given Rex Airlines’ ongoing woes.  This is why The Nationals will continue to call out market failure and insist on sensible government interventions,” Dr Webster said.

"I encourage Sunraysia locals to have their say in the consultation."

The inquiry is due to report to the Albanese Labor Government by 27 April 2027. The next federal election is due in 2027/28.

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