Media release – Peter George, independent MHA for Franklin, 16 September 2025
Qantas Air Crew Fear ‘Breach of Faith’ if Hobart Base is Closed
Franklin independent MP, Peter George, has called on Qantas to ensure 30 pilots and cabin crew based in and around southern Tasmania can remain living in the state as part of its national operations.
“I’ve spoken with members of the company’s aircrew who believe the airline’s review of how it operates bases around the country will result in its Hobart base being closed.
“Most if not all the pilots and cabin crew have moved to Tasmania on the understanding that Qantas had assured them that they would be able to settle, buy homes and raise a family with their jobs secured in the state.
“A representative of the Australian Federation of Airline Pilots (AFAP) contacted me today to say pilots would consider any move to close the base to be a breach of good faith made to pilots and cabin crew when they decided to move to Tasmania.
“I call on Qantas and Qantas Link to end the uncertainty, reassure staff and ensure Tasmania remains well served with crew and services.
“While Qantas may be considering a restructure for business reasons, the company must recognise its undertakings to its staff.
“I hope the company makes its position clear quickly and ends the uncertainty.”
Media release – Andrew Wilkie, 15 September 2025
CLOUDS OVER QANTAS’ HOBART FUTURE
“Qantas is undertaking a review of its Hobart base for QantasLink flight and cabin crew,” Wilkie said.
“Dozens of aircraft crew are currently based in the city, providing valuable jobs and a good lifestyle for the airline’s staff, saving Qantas enormous layover expenses and providing operational flexibility. For aircraft crew to relocate, or in effect become FIFO workers, would obviously be very difficult for them and their families, and a significant economic loss to Hobart.
“This development follows hot on the heels of Justice Michael Lee slamming a $90 million fine on Qantas for unlawfully sacking thousands of workers during the early days of the COVID pandemic. Justice Lee was scathing of the behaviour of the company and its HR practices.
“The possibility of QantasLink closing its local crew base also follows Qantas’ failed 2014 experiment when the airline axed all mainline Qantas services to Hobart. This saw a decline in quality and was eventually reversed to ensure some mainline services were restored.
“Qantas tell me that no decision has been made yet regarding the Hobart base. But in the circumstances I feel it necessary to call on Qantas to rule out closing the Hobart base, and to commit to maintaining similar QantasLink staff numbers in Hobart for the foreseeable future.
“I also call on Qantas and the Tasmanian Government to bring clarity to the current situation with Qantas’ excellent Hobart call centre. In 2014 it also faced closure. But it was thrown a 10-year $10.9 million taxpayer-funded lifeline, which presumably has now expired.
“The bottom line is that generations of Tasmanians, including hundreds of Qantas staff, have given their loyalty to the flying kangaroo. They expect that to be reciprocated.”
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