Federal Transport Minister Catherine King addressed the Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Conference & Industry Expo, today and said much has been done by the Government to improve airports and aviation but acknowledged “it hasn’t always been easy in recent years”.
With issues including the lack of modern border controls, SAF, infrastructure, the pending Olympics and the collapse of REX, hot topics all, the Minister offered her take on the year to hundreds of aviation and airport delegates at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre on Day 2 of the event.
On from 1-4 December, the conference is the AAA’s biggest-ever event and brings together a record number of attendees and more than 100 speakers for four days of discussion under the themes Accessible, Connected, Safe and Sustainable.
Australian Airports Association Conference opens on the Gold Coast
“We are now heading into the busiest aviation period of the year. Australia’s airports, large and small, are about to enable many family reunions, holiday adventures, tourism visits, and end-of-year work travel,” the minister told conference delegates.
The Minister thanked those in the room who keep the critical sector running.
“From the airport operators, ground handlers, security teams, air traffic controllers, airline workers, and all the professionals represented by the Australian Airports Association. Your efforts ensure that Australians can travel safely, efficiently, and confidently. Not just during the holidays, but all year round,” she said.
REX rescue
King then listed the Government’s achievements with its infrastructure agenda” which she described as “Ambitious but achievable” but also the hurdles the industry faced, including regional airport finances hit by the collapse of REX and its effect on regional communities.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank those of you from airports which REX services. As you know, we’ve been working hard with the administrators to keep REX in the air, especially for our regional communities,” she said.
In November, the Government outlined the financing arrangements to support by US company Air T’s proposal to REX administrators as part of its bid to acquire REX.
“We’ve said that we will restructure REX’s existing debt to the Australian Government,” she said. “This ensures regional communities across Australia remain connected, but there are very clear expectations and commitments that go with this investment. These commitments will help to maintain essential regional aviation connections while also improving governance for the organisation.
“Importantly, the Government will retain its security over all REX’s aircraft to protect the taxpayer’s contribution.”
Last month, the Government also announced the establishment of a $5 million program for local governments with regional and remote airports that supported REX through the voluntary administration process. Earlier this year King announced $24.9 million in funding across 45 projects under the Regional Airports Program.
“I have met with Air T directors and I look forward to their entry into the Australian aviation ecosystem. I am sure you will all make them welcome,” she told conference delegates.
Airport upgrades
In October, the government announced 42 successful projects would be receiving just under $25 million under the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program. These projects were spread across the country, from Streaky Bay on the west coast of South Australia to the Forsyth Airstrip managed by Etheridge Shire Council in Queensland – where the funding will help with the installation of animal exclusion fencing.
“This year we have delivered the new runway upgrade at Hobart Airport, the new international terminal at Newcastle Airport, runway upgrades at Whyalla Airport, and redevelopment work has continued on the Launceston Royal Flying Doctor Service facilities.”
The minister also mentioned her department’s approvals for the Melbourne Airport Third Runway, new hangars at Bankstown and Canberra Airports, Airfield upgrades and an expansion to the Woolworths Distribution Centre at Perth Airport, an Aeromedical Base at Brisbane Airport and most recently a new commercial kitchen at Hobart Airport, among others.
“And we have built a whole new airport in Western Sydney, supported by a $5.3 billion investment from the Australian Government. This airport is no longer a concept or a proposal. It’s real.”
She said the Western Sydney International Airport will be a catalyst for growth with opportunities stretching far beyond the city and indeed the region.
Airports can have considerable impact on surrounding communities, she said and considerable effort had gone into understanding and reducing potential community impacts.
But more than $500 million has been injected into the local economy, with contracts awarded to 360 Western Sydney businesses and the potential for major long-term employment opportunities in the region.
“There is still much to be done but I want to recognise the efforts of those here today who have been part of this Western Sydney International Airport story along the way. It’s a remarkable project and will once again place Australia on the world stage for excellence and innovation in aviation.”
Bilateral air services arrangements
Beyond our borders, she said there had been a focus on strengthening our international market partnerships with 110 bilateral air services arrangements now in place.
“In September 2025, we were able to agree an updated bilateral air services arrangement with the Philippines, that will double the available passenger capacity to 70 services per week by October 2026,” she said.
“From next year, we will be able to welcome an unrestricted capacity for passenger services from Malaysia and Canada. This is on top of recent capacity increases with Hong Kong, the first increase in more than two decades, as well as with Chile and Türkiye, and new agreements with Latvia, Mongolia and Rwanda.
“We’re creating room now to allow for the future growth in demand. It’s a measured approach to allow time for adequate planning. But the benefits will be worth it.”
Minister King then went on to say that the experience from the minute you arrive at the airport –good, bad or otherwise, really matters.
“It not only impacts the person with the boarding pass but also the brand perception of that airport, and the broader aviation industry,” she said.
Currently, there are no national standards to determine what remedies passengers are entitled to receive in the event of delays or worse, cancellation.
“It’s why we’re introducing new aviation consumer protections, including an Aviation Consumer Ombuds Scheme,” she said.
Public consultation on a new aviation consumer protection framework and an updated Aviation Consumer Protections Charter concluded in October with legislation expected around the new scheme next year.
The Government is also creating new aviation-specific disability standards, another key area identified in the Aviation White Paper.
“The standards will set out responsibilities for airports and airlines,” she said. “This is critical in making sure that services are coordinated to support the journey of passengers with disability.”
Search for cleaner fuels
The Minister also addressed developing a sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia with its September announcement of a $1.1 billion investment in the Cleaner Fuels Program to support the production of low carbon liquid fuels or LCLFs in Australia.
“This will ensure we have strong supply chains for the more sustainable fuels that can power our aircraft going forward,” she said.
Consultation is currently underway on the design of the Cleaner Fuels Program, with the Policy Design and Engagement paper released on 13 November. Submissions are open until 19 December 2025.
“The future for Australia’s aviation industry looks bright,” she concluded. “I look forward to continuing to work with you over the coming year. Together, we will take the initiatives of the Aviation White Paper and make our airports, and air travel stronger, safer and more accessible for everyone.
“Because the air is now the universal highway.”
