The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been directed by the Federal Government to resume monitoring of domestic air passenger services.
According to the Canberra government, the resumption of monitoring services will ensure Australians see the benefits of a competitive airline sector.
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The monitoring period will be from the end of 2023 and last for three years.
The instruction will be made under Section 95ZE of the Competition and Consumer Act of 2010 and will oblige the ACCC to monitor domestic air passenger fares, expenses and profits.
Key areas of monitoring will be the level of capacity the airlines are putting on each route and industry performance.
Catherine King, minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government, emphasised how the monitoring will provide efficiency to the aviation sector: “We want a safe, sustainable and efficient aviation sector that provides a high standard of service, good prices and better consumer protections for Australians.
“A competitive airline industry helps to put downward pressure on prices and deliver more choice for Australians facing cost-of-living pressures.”
According to the Australian Government, the previous 12 reports under a previous government found declining service standards were not acted upon.
Alongside this, disability access will also be a top priority for the sector, demonstrating a focus on Australia’s “best interests”.
King added: “The Albanese Government will use ACCC monitoring to help inform the Aviation White Paper, which is setting the policy direction for the sector out to 2050.”
