“The news today that Qantas is sacking local staff is another alarming downgrade of Tasmania in the Qantas Group network,” Mr Wilkie said.
“Some 35 Hobart-based staff are facing the axe as Qantas replaces them with lower paid contractors.
“Moreover the move to replace all 737 and Dash 8 services with 717 aircraft is no consolation simply because QantasLink subcontracts such services to Cobham Aviation.
“No wonder Qantas is in trouble financially. It’s effectively abandoning destinations, axing staff and patching it up with subcontractors.
“When people fly Qantas they expect just that, not a succession of subcontractors.
“Qantas apparently feels it must take such drastic action because it’s finding it increasingly difficult to compete with foreign-backed airlines, and in particular Virgin.
“I call again on the Federal Government to intervene and to take a financial stake in the airline.”
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison
