Member for Gregory Lachlan Millar has launched a blistering attack on the Queensland Government and Australia’s national airline carrier, demanding a Senate Inquiry into the cost of regional airfares.

“I have been fighting for more parity for Regional Queensland for the past two years - I have made countless representations on this issue and we still have no answers,” Mr Millar said.

“The Queensland Government, who are responsible for regulating the route, have failed Regional Queensland – the Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport couldn’t even be bothered responding.

“And Qantas keep feeding us generic corporate nonsense.

“Enough is enough - Western Queenslanders are still paying up to $500 to travel one way from Longreach to Brisbane.

“In fact, this issue is affecting the hip pocket of individuals and families right across the state.

“Residents in Emerald and Moranbah also regularly fork out over $500 for a one way ticket to Brisbane.

“It’s absolute highway robbery and certainly not conducive to the development of the regions.

“The people of Queensland deserve answers - conducting a Senate Inquiry is the only way to find out exactly why Regional Queenslanders continue to pay through the nose for air travel.

“I have already written to Senator Barry O’Sullivan, who is the Chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, on the issue.

“I am committed to working with Senator O’Sullivan and my other Federal Government colleagues to ensure we see greater fairness in the pricing structure of regional airfares.”