The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has acknowledged the Government’s announcement of funding for regional airports to upgrade their security, to comply with changes in aviation security measures released in the Government’s own Aviation White Paper, but has again called upon the Government to cover the full cost.

The Government has said they will provide $32 million to bring forward screening at a number of additional airports that are currently served by larger passenger turbo-prop aircraft

The full cost to prepare at least 20 airports for mandatory screening is estimated to be $100 million.

“The Government must cover the full cost to ensure regional aviation is not disadvantaged by the changes,” Mrs. Hull said.

 “When the Government’s Aviation White Paper was released last December and it was clear the changes to security measures could potentially impact upon regional aviation, I immediately called on the Government to cover the cost of any security upgrades, just as the previous Howard Government did when they introduced stricter security measures.

“I stated that if they did not, regional flight prices will rise dramatically, due to the increased costs to the airlines having to land at these airports,” Mrs. Hull said.

The new rules stipulate that passenger and baggage screening are compulsary for both jet turbine powered aircraft and turbo propeller powered aircraft providing RPT services, as they will now be assessed on their maximum take off weight, as opposed to the type of aircraft.