Pasin calls for Mount Gambier hearing in regional airfares inquiry

Pasin calls for Mount Gambier hearing in regional airfares inquiry

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP has welcomed the announcement of a national inquiry into regional airfares and is calling for Mount Gambier to be included as a location for public hearings.

Regional communities across Barker rely heavily on regional airlines to remain connected to Australia’s capital cities. For many residents, air travel is not a luxury but a necessity, particularly when accessing specialist and lifesaving health services that are not available locally.

“People in regional areas understand the importance of air travel,” Mr Pasin said. “The ongoing challenge has always been the affordability of regional airfares, which places real pressure on families, businesses and communities.”

The inquiry, to be conducted by the Productivity Commission in 2026, will examine the factors influencing the cost of regional air travel and consider options to support a competitive, reliable and affordable aviation network for communities outside Australia’s major cities.

Mr Pasin has written to the Commission requesting that it hold a public hearing in Mount Gambier to ensure the Limestone Coast has a direct voice in the process.

“Local communities deserve the opportunity to share their lived experience and to contribute directly to shaping policy that affects their access to affordable air travel,” he said.

Information about the inquiry, including its terms of reference, timelines and how to make a submission, is available on the Productivity Commission’s website.

Mr Pasin encouraged community members, businesses and stakeholders across the Limestone Coast to make a submission and add their perspective to the inquiry.

“Affordable regional airfares matter to the future of our region, and this inquiry provides an important opportunity to influence outcomes,” Mr Pasin said.