Aviation white paper boss quits
The head of the federal government’s eagerly anticipated aviation white paper has resigned, raising more doubts about the government’s willingness to act on growing competition concerns in the airlines sector.
The Australian Financial Review confirmed the assistant secretary in charge of the long-awaited white paper, Jason Dymowski, quit his post and the green paper that was supposed to precede it has been pushed back.
Transport Minister Catherine King refuses to answer questions on why the government isn’t doing more for consumers. Akex Ellinghausen
The government had been expected to release a green paper by mid-year, but industry has been guided to now expect its release in September.
A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Catherine King said the department would not comment on individual personnel movements, but maintained the paper was on schedule. It is understood Mr Dymowski has moved to a new role in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The resignation comes as the government continues to dodge questions its refusal to act on recommendations already before it that would help to reduce the cost of flying for ordinary Australian travellers and boost international competition.
“The competitiveness of the airline sector is important to the Albanese government. That is why it is one of the four critical areas to be examined by the Aviation White Paper,” a spokeswoman said.
“Although the aviation sector has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, conditions are uneven the government has heard from a range of stakeholders about challenges in terms of competition, cost pressure and skills shortages.”
The Australian Airports Association backed calls to reinstate the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s
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