National secretary of the Transport Workers' Union (TWU) Tony Sheldon said revelations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) that it did not investigate the impact the proposed Qantas/Emirates alliance will have on employment, or the books backing up Qantas allegations of the potential collapse and terminal decline of our national carrier, demonstrates not just incompetence but also arrogance on behalf of our national competition and consumer regulator. Now it is up to the government to safeguard the consumer, the public and the national interest by convening a national inquiry into the future of the aviation industry, Mr Sheldon said.
"Despite the strong and serious concerns put to the ACCC about the impact of the deal on the very future of Qantas, [the] hearing was nothing more than a talking shop. During the one and a half hour hearing, the ACCC revealed that in their opinion an investigation into the impact of the proposed alliance on Australian employment did not warrant the resources. Further to this, the ACCC admitted that it did not carry out any forensic investigation into claims made by Qantas that the international division is in terminal decline.
“With tens of thousands of Australian jobs on the line, and the future of the consumer, public and national interest at risk, the ACCC has made a mockery of its own process. Not only has the ACCC previously indicated it intends to give the green light to the deal by granting interim authorisation well ahead of today's conference, but it has even refused to answer questions as to evidence presented or its decision making process. Why can't it answer the simple question as to how the public interest has been served by this deal?
"Since the ACCC has proven itself both incapable and incompetent in protecting the national interest, it is time for political action. What is at stake is the future of the Australian aviation industry and the tens of thousands of Australian aviation jobs. We are calling on the government to establish a national inquiry into the future of the Australian aviation industry, which addresses the national interest and not just a narrow interpretation of what constitutes a competitive environment with slim reference to the public interest or benefit."
Mr Sheldon concluded: "Australia needs a flag carrier that puts Australia first in times of war, national disaster and strife. This is what underpins the Qantas Sale Act, but it is being sidestepped and Australia will suffer while senior executives ride off into the sunset. Now that the ACCC has proven itself such a dismal and deliberate failure, it is time for political courage from all sides". (136)
