Federal aviation grants will only supports airline workers

In response to a reduction in air traffic between the mainland and Tasmania, airport contractor Swissport last week announced it would temporarily stand down staff at both Launceston and Hobart airports.

The announcement prompted calls for the federal government to step in and support workers indirectly affected by the lockdowns.

In response, the federal government this week announced a JobKeeper-style grant scheme that would provide weekly payments of $750 to airport staff, until normal flight levels resume.

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However, as third party contractors, the 10 workers at Launceston Airport, and 28 at Hobart Airport are ineligible to receive payments

Australian Aviation Ground Handling Industry Alliance chairman Glenn Rutherford said a large portion of the industry would be excluded from support, with 80 per cent of all aviation ground operations performed by contractors.

"Our 9800 specialist ground handlers are being denied the same financial support from the government for doing the same work at the same airport for the same airline as inhouse employees," he said.

"If that protection is not extended to all aviation ground operations personnel, it will inevitably mean a large proportion of our workforce will pursue other more financially secure work."

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Labor's candidate for Bass Ross Hart said the fact the government was prepared to support airlines, but not contractors, was a significant concern.

"Unless the government approaches this on a holistic basis there will be significant hardship within our local workforce, simply because they are working for a contractor rather than the airline," he said.

"People may leave the industry which will have dire consequences to transport in Tasmania."

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Mr Rutherford said an exodus of staff now would have a long-term impact on the industry.

"It would take at least six months to recruit more workers when state borders reopen, train them up to government standards and have them accredited by the government," he said.

"That means we are likely to see many flights grounded in November, December, January and February owing to a nationwide shortage of professional aviation ground operations staff."

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Launceston Airport worker Tayla Franjic said staff had either lost their jobs or had their hours reduced as a result of the lockdowns.

"No, Tasmania isn't in a lockdown, but that has impacted us all at the airport. We are not entitled to anything from the federal government," she said.

Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer said she understood the impact the lockdowns were having on airport workers and had been in contact with federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to discuss if further support could be provided.

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