Tired old Labor scare campaign will not fly

FEBRUARY 5, 2018: A TIRED old Labor scare campaign regarding reduced airport safety services in the Whitsundays is totally false and I made that clear to Anthony Albanese in Canberra today.Airport rescue and fire-fighting services on Hamilton Island will not be cut and moves to establish such a service at Proserpine will not be affected.When the United Firefighters Union of Australia Aviation Branch first brought this to my attention, I followed up with the Minister, to ensure that services in my electorate would not be cut.I was given that assurance then prior to the last election, and the Government’s stance was reiterated again by the Minister for Transport in December 2016.The information was clear; existing services would remain untouched.Also untrue is the claim that Proserpine’s Whitsunday Coast Airport will be unable to establish an Aviation Rescue and Fire-Fighting Service.The establishment of services at Proserpine is already underway, and I understand that the case will be presented to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority this week.Therefore, the services at Proserpine will not be affected by changes.The claims were false two years ago when Labor first raised them and they’re false now.The only thing I agree with Anthony Albanese on in relation to airport firefighters is that they do a great job.And I look forward to welcoming new aviation firefighters when services come online at the Whitsunday Coast Airport.