Albany MLA Scott Leary slams Rex Airlines for ‘systematic failings’, urging transport minister to step in

Albany MLA Scott Leary has slammed the flailing Rex Airlines, claiming “substandard” service has resulted in “devastating” consequences for regional communities, and urged WA’s minister for transport to intervene. The shadow minister for tourism and commerce raised a grievance in Parliament on Thursday, requesting that Rita Saffioti step in and address the regional airline’s “systematic failings”. Rex is the only public aviation service flying in and out of the Great Southern, and Mr Leary said its flights had gained a reputation for unreliability. “For too long, the people of Albany, and those in Esperance, Monkey Mia, and Carnarvon, have endured a substandard air service from Rex Airlines,” he said. “No one is arguing against our vital regional air links, but they must be reliable. “Right now, Rex is failing the basic test of providing a safe, consistent service, and it is hurting our communities.” Despite Rex’s controllable on-time performance for the Albany to Perth route rating higher than the national average, Mr Leary said his office had been inundated with hundreds of complaints since his March election. He said many of these complaints involved the airline endangering regional access to health care only available in Perth. “One constituent waited more than three months to see a neurologist, only to miss the appointment when their flight was cancelled the night before,” Mr Leary said. “Another cancer patient, who must travel to Perth weekly for time-critical immunotherapy, lives in constant fear of missing appointments because Rex cannot be relied on.” He also cited damage to Albany’s tourism industry, saying “visitors complain their trip has been ruined before it begins due to poor communication and customer service”. The embattled airline has been in voluntary administration since July 2024, with Ernst and Young appointed to oversee its sale. The initial November 25, 2024 deadline to secure a buyer was first pushed out to June this year, then December as EY failed to find a prospective owner. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the sale process was “progressing positively”. The Federal Government has buoyed the airline to the tune of more than $100 million to keep regional flights in the air and acquire the debt of its 4800 creditors — one of which is the City of Albany, which is owed $456,000, as well as the Shire of Esperance, which is short $440,587. Mr Leary said he had called for an urgent meeting with Ms Saffioti, who in turn said the State Government was in the process of strengthening “resilience” in regional aviation. “We’re committed to supporting regional aviation and ensuring that all Western Australians can access safe, affordable and reliable air services,” Ms Saffioti said. “Unfortunately, Rex Airlines has faced some major financial challenges and is currently in administration, making long-term planning more difficult. “We expect that the administration process will address any unresolved financial issues.”