Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
In some good news, Singapore Airlines have announced that they're
going to increase their dar and Singapore schedule from five
days a week to seven in April next year, marking
a return to pre pandemic levels. Now, the Airport Development
Group spokesperson has told the paper it was welcome news
for Darwin's overseas aviation, which remains about forty percent down
on average. Now joining us on the line is the
(00:22):
Minister for Tourism, Nicole Madison. Good morning to your minister.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Good morning Katie.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Now how many days a week is the service currently operating?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
So currently it is at five days a week, Katie.
And if i'd take your listeners back to pre pandemic
and where things are at, we used to have Jetstar
and Silk Airlines operating that service, and we certainly had
a lot more services at that time. So while we
welcome the five days a week going to seven days
(00:53):
a week from the end of March next year, what
we really want to see is is some more airlines
also servicing Darwin to Singapore as well as other destinations
overseas too in the region, because we know that's going
to be great for tourism businesses, but also our really
strong and diverse multicultural community than we have here in
(01:16):
the Northern territory. We have a huge amount of people.
For example, if you look in my community where I'm at,
people a lot of people in Klimnos right now. I've
got a huge Indian community from Kerala, lots of people
from Pakistan, Sri Lanka. They want to go home, they
want to visit their families or have their families come
visit them too. So this is also good news for
them because I hear it loud and clear all the
(01:37):
time that, especially if you've got a family, it is
really difficult to be able to do those trips. So
we're working really hard to attract more airline unire Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
I agree. You know, it's great that this is happening,
and it certainly a step in the right direction, but
we do need more. We need that connectivity and whether
you're talking about overseas or interstate Man, where are things
that in terms of the government's ten million dollar aviation
attraction scheme that is indeed designed to bring more flights
and carriers to the territory.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yeah, this is exactly what it's about. We're looking for
domestic and international connections and increasing them. It's fair to
say it's definitely peaked interest. We've had airlines in touch
and we're working through with a few different airlines at
the moment with the Airport Development Group. And I've got
a stress that the Airport Development Group is a really
important player here. You know, it is the landing fees
(02:29):
and the negotiations these airlines do with them there that
often come down to determining whether or not they do
come to the Northern Territory. So we're at the table
with them and we've got some financial incentives trying to
make more airlines choose the Northern Territory as a destination.
But we are certainly having some real live conversations. Now
(02:49):
I can't say which airlines and which routes, but all
I will say to your listeners is that there are
some really very real live conversations at play that I
believe will deliver lower services the territory.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
And we did catch up with Bonds's CEO just a
couple of weeks ago, and you know, he sounded keen
as to come to the territory. But as you've just
touched on, one of those big things was well he'd
called it sort of red tape or you know, different
different restrictions that may be in place, and also those
(03:21):
fees and charges, So is there any regal room when
it comes to some of those fees and charges. So
this is.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Where a lot of these negotiations happen. It's just trying
to find the right deal, the right price to lock
in the airline depending on what their business model are.
Bonds are they very much so look at those landing
fees are very affordable, low cost airline. That's their business model.
But it does ultimately come down for them about getting
good landing fees deal. For example, in Queensland where they've
(03:52):
got a huge aviation attraction fund, that's where all the
local governments and councils are actually in on that deal
as well. They own the airport to many of those destinations,
so they're looking allo for the border interest of their residents,
their constituents they represent too, and liveability issues as well
as the tourism does because you know, there's more to
(04:13):
it to them than just how profitable their airport is.
It's about what is the overall economic benefit to the
whole community.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
And so when you're looking at the landing fees, for example,
Is that something that is set by our airport here
in Darwin or is it something that's set sort of
by the federal government.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
It's a bit of both, because there are certainly different
federal government issues and regulations that the airport has to
comply with around security and so forth, which is understandable.
We pride ourselves and having very safe airports and airlines
here in this nation. But that comes with the cost
to be able to regulate and be able to put
those protections in which ultimately the airlines do need to
(04:55):
be able to charge in order to be able to
provide those services.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Yeah, I spo. That's what I'm getting to is, you know,
are we in a situation where where we may be
able to attract the likes of Bonsa or others by
changing those fees a bit.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
I've made representations to the federal government about that about
you know, saying look in region Australia where you know,
and it's not just Northern Territory. It is the hot
topic around Northern Australia right now, full stop Katie, about
the airlines and getting them in. But I certainly think
that you know, there is a room where a federal
government needs to look more closely at aviation attraction as
(05:32):
well as airlines rebuilt after COVID two. It's certainly something
we'd like to see.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yeah, I agree. I just think it's it's pretty insane
when you look at the flights, the prices to travel
into state, even for us within the Northern Territory, it
is really expensive and that work does Like I hope
that some work can happen to try to make Australia
more connectable, but also for us to you know, to
travel overseas for those people that do have family interstate
(05:57):
and overseas.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Yeah, and yeah, absolutely it goes to not just tourism
and business and the economy, it's about libability as well
for people and for us it's so important because we
really do pride ourselves on being a multicultural place. Imagine
what the Northern Territory would be like if we didn't
have skilled migration. All those amazing families to choose to
(06:19):
move to the Northern Territory and make a life here
for their families, but they feel really important jobs here
in the Northern Territory and provide amazing services that we need.
And I've just use the healthcare sector as one example
where we have tradition had a lot of people move
from the Philippines, a lot of people move from places
like Carolina and India who just do an amazing job
(06:40):
providing health care to territories right across the territory.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Minister, a question from a listener, can you please ask
Minister Madison, why can't international airlines leave Darwin for Singapore
in the morning like pre COVID because Singapore airlines leave
mid afternoon, but now they arrive in Singapore early evening
after most of those connecting flights have departed.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
That's up to the airline. That's something we have little
influence on there. But it's one of those things where
I think most people know now that planes get absolutely
flogged from the day they start working and they try
to fly them for as long as they possibly can
until they need, you know, some scheduled maintenance and those
types of things. So there are very tight connections, very
(07:25):
tight slots they call them, that they can get into
at different airports. And generally, you know an airport like
Changy and I've here Dampasa as well and Sydney. You know,
those slots are difficult to get and once they get them.
You know, it's difficult to change them, so they have
very For example, like I've contacted Jetstar because during the
(07:47):
runway work they are going to reduce their services and
I'm going to fly for a while to Dampostar and
I've asked them, you know, look, can you change your
slots with Tampasa so you can find a way to
keep going to Balley and what they say bring people
and from Bali And unfortunately they have said no, and
that's because again the difficulities they have we're changing their schedules.
But you know, we will keep we will keep advocating
(08:08):
and asking the airlines to do the right thing by
territory Minister?
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Are there are you anticipating like with those with those
airline works and this is something you and I spoke
about a few weeks ago with those airline works. Are
we going to see other flights do this like other
airlines do the same thing as what Jetstares decided to
do with that temper Star route. And could we end
up in a situation where we're struggling to get in
and out of the territory.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
So my latest briefing this week was no. So far,
we've only seen jets are being the one service there
that has moved. However, I'm keeping a close nine in it, Katie.
I've made it really clear to to Defense and to
the federal government and the Airblet that we need to
make sure that those scheduled works are tight as tight
(08:53):
as possible because we've got minimal disruption on airline services
and connectivity to the territory. Because it's it's it's something
we don't want to see any further reduction. So at
the moment, we know that the airlines con see the schedules.
They'll be publicly released soon. But the most important thing
is that the airlines have it, and we're keeping a
close eye on how they respond. But so far, the
(09:14):
only news and feedback I've had is that it's meant
the cancelations of that Jetstar Barley service for that period.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
Yeah, let's hope that is the case, because it will
be incredibly difficult if it ends up that there's more
airlines doing the same. And I know that it is
something that people are really pretty worried about. Minister, just
a very quick one. I know you're not going to
tell me which airlines, but how many airlines are you
in negotiation with at the moment.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
We have had so far as just the starting point
we're in discussions are two very significant airlines. However, we've
had many other airlines also expressed in interest to have
these conversations, So we're continuing to work through that and
see what opportunities there are.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
So two very significant ones, any idea when we're going
to have sort of a better underst if they will
come to operate in the territory.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Now, I'm hoped soon, Katie. Again, I'm just trying to
get the best outcome here for territorials, and that is
getting these deals done. So I'm hoping to have some
news to be able to report soon. But I don't
want to put any more pressure on these sensitive negotiations
because I want to get the deals done.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
All right now with the airline works, when do you
reckon we're going to have a better timeline so that
we have a better idea what's going to happen or
if there will be further disruptions if.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
We are waiting Defense to release that publicly. However, they
have been released to airlines and they were released about
two weeks ago, so they can see them. It's just
the public information will be going out as soon as
my understanding.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
All right, Hey, another quick one. Yesterday we spoke to
Alex Bruce, the CEO of hospitality here in the Northern Territory,
and talked more about digital driver's licenses and whether we
need to convert over to those, Minister, are we any
close so do that happening?
Speaker 2 (11:02):
Yeah, this is a body of work that since with
infrastructure planning and logistics and our amazing you know, a
digital and communications department here, we are looking at it
and seeing what we can get done. I think everybody
would agree that we just like to take our smart
device out and we like to be able to use it.
(11:22):
And having a digital license is certainly something that I
think everybody wants to happen. So it is something that
we are certainly looking forwards. You know, I'd certainly want
those school licenses to still be available to our older
territorians who might not be you know, people who want
to be is walking around with a smartphone.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Yeah as well, Now I thought yesterday, oh yes, we're
all going to be all for this. I'm keen as
to get my digital license onto my phone, but not
everyone felt this.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Sid, Well, it's the bloody better. But you know, yeah,
some people, some people, not every Smartphones are not cheap
for everyone, and you know, not everybody wants to use them,
so you know we're going to make sure we take
care of everybody here.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Yeah, absolutely well, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and also
the Deputy Chief ministeron Nicole Madison. We will leave it there.
Thank you for your time this morning.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Thanks Katie, thank you.
In some good news, Singapore Airlines have announced that they're
going to increase their dar and Singapore schedule from five
days a week to seven in April next year, marking
a return to pre pandemic levels. Now, the Airport Development
Group spokesperson has told the paper it was welcome news
for Darwin's overseas aviation, which remains about forty percent down
on average. Now joining us on the line is the
(00:22):
Minister for Tourism, Nicole Madison. Good morning to your minister.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Good morning Katie.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Now how many days a week is the service currently operating?
Speaker 2 (00:33):
So currently it is at five days a week, Katie.
And if i'd take your listeners back to pre pandemic
and where things are at, we used to have Jetstar
and Silk Airlines operating that service, and we certainly had
a lot more services at that time. So while we
welcome the five days a week going to seven days
(00:53):
a week from the end of March next year, what
we really want to see is is some more airlines
also servicing Darwin to Singapore as well as other destinations
overseas too in the region, because we know that's going
to be great for tourism businesses, but also our really
strong and diverse multicultural community than we have here in
(01:16):
the Northern territory. We have a huge amount of people.
For example, if you look in my community where I'm at,
people a lot of people in Klimnos right now. I've
got a huge Indian community from Kerala, lots of people
from Pakistan, Sri Lanka. They want to go home, they
want to visit their families or have their families come
visit them too. So this is also good news for
them because I hear it loud and clear all the
(01:37):
time that, especially if you've got a family, it is
really difficult to be able to do those trips. So
we're working really hard to attract more airline unire Yeah.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
I agree. You know, it's great that this is happening,
and it certainly a step in the right direction, but
we do need more. We need that connectivity and whether
you're talking about overseas or interstate Man, where are things
that in terms of the government's ten million dollar aviation
attraction scheme that is indeed designed to bring more flights
and carriers to the territory.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yeah, this is exactly what it's about. We're looking for
domestic and international connections and increasing them. It's fair to
say it's definitely peaked interest. We've had airlines in touch
and we're working through with a few different airlines at
the moment with the Airport Development Group. And I've got
a stress that the Airport Development Group is a really
important player here. You know, it is the landing fees
(02:29):
and the negotiations these airlines do with them there that
often come down to determining whether or not they do
come to the Northern Territory. So we're at the table
with them and we've got some financial incentives trying to
make more airlines choose the Northern Territory as a destination.
But we are certainly having some real live conversations. Now
(02:49):
I can't say which airlines and which routes, but all
I will say to your listeners is that there are
some really very real live conversations at play that I
believe will deliver lower services the territory.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
And we did catch up with Bonds's CEO just a
couple of weeks ago, and you know, he sounded keen
as to come to the territory. But as you've just
touched on, one of those big things was well he'd
called it sort of red tape or you know, different
different restrictions that may be in place, and also those
(03:21):
fees and charges, So is there any regal room when
it comes to some of those fees and charges. So
this is.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Where a lot of these negotiations happen. It's just trying
to find the right deal, the right price to lock
in the airline depending on what their business model are.
Bonds are they very much so look at those landing
fees are very affordable, low cost airline. That's their business model.
But it does ultimately come down for them about getting
good landing fees deal. For example, in Queensland where they've
(03:52):
got a huge aviation attraction fund, that's where all the
local governments and councils are actually in on that deal
as well. They own the airport to many of those destinations,
so they're looking allo for the border interest of their residents,
their constituents they represent too, and liveability issues as well
as the tourism does because you know, there's more to
(04:13):
it to them than just how profitable their airport is.
It's about what is the overall economic benefit to the
whole community.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
And so when you're looking at the landing fees, for example,
Is that something that is set by our airport here
in Darwin or is it something that's set sort of
by the federal government.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
It's a bit of both, because there are certainly different
federal government issues and regulations that the airport has to
comply with around security and so forth, which is understandable.
We pride ourselves and having very safe airports and airlines
here in this nation. But that comes with the cost
to be able to regulate and be able to put
those protections in which ultimately the airlines do need to
(04:55):
be able to charge in order to be able to
provide those services.
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Yeah, I spo. That's what I'm getting to is, you know,
are we in a situation where where we may be
able to attract the likes of Bonsa or others by
changing those fees a bit.
Speaker 2 (05:11):
I've made representations to the federal government about that about
you know, saying look in region Australia where you know,
and it's not just Northern Territory. It is the hot
topic around Northern Australia right now, full stop Katie, about
the airlines and getting them in. But I certainly think
that you know, there is a room where a federal
government needs to look more closely at aviation attraction as
(05:32):
well as airlines rebuilt after COVID two. It's certainly something
we'd like to see.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Yeah, I agree. I just think it's it's pretty insane
when you look at the flights, the prices to travel
into state, even for us within the Northern Territory, it
is really expensive and that work does Like I hope
that some work can happen to try to make Australia
more connectable, but also for us to you know, to
travel overseas for those people that do have family interstate
(05:57):
and overseas.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Yeah, and yeah, absolutely it goes to not just tourism
and business and the economy, it's about libability as well
for people and for us it's so important because we
really do pride ourselves on being a multicultural place. Imagine
what the Northern Territory would be like if we didn't
have skilled migration. All those amazing families to choose to
(06:19):
move to the Northern Territory and make a life here
for their families, but they feel really important jobs here
in the Northern Territory and provide amazing services that we need.
And I've just use the healthcare sector as one example
where we have tradition had a lot of people move
from the Philippines, a lot of people move from places
like Carolina and India who just do an amazing job
(06:40):
providing health care to territories right across the territory.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
Minister, a question from a listener, can you please ask
Minister Madison, why can't international airlines leave Darwin for Singapore
in the morning like pre COVID because Singapore airlines leave
mid afternoon, but now they arrive in Singapore early evening
after most of those connecting flights have departed.
Speaker 2 (07:02):
That's up to the airline. That's something we have little
influence on there. But it's one of those things where
I think most people know now that planes get absolutely
flogged from the day they start working and they try
to fly them for as long as they possibly can
until they need, you know, some scheduled maintenance and those
types of things. So there are very tight connections, very
(07:25):
tight slots they call them, that they can get into
at different airports. And generally, you know an airport like
Changy and I've here Dampasa as well and Sydney. You know,
those slots are difficult to get and once they get them.
You know, it's difficult to change them, so they have
very For example, like I've contacted Jetstar because during the
(07:47):
runway work they are going to reduce their services and
I'm going to fly for a while to Dampostar and
I've asked them, you know, look, can you change your
slots with Tampasa so you can find a way to
keep going to Balley and what they say bring people
and from Bali And unfortunately they have said no, and
that's because again the difficulities they have we're changing their schedules.
But you know, we will keep we will keep advocating
(08:08):
and asking the airlines to do the right thing by
territory Minister?
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Are there are you anticipating like with those with those
airline works and this is something you and I spoke
about a few weeks ago with those airline works. Are
we going to see other flights do this like other
airlines do the same thing as what Jetstares decided to
do with that temper Star route. And could we end
up in a situation where we're struggling to get in
and out of the territory.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
So my latest briefing this week was no. So far,
we've only seen jets are being the one service there
that has moved. However, I'm keeping a close nine in it, Katie.
I've made it really clear to to Defense and to
the federal government and the Airblet that we need to
make sure that those scheduled works are tight as tight
(08:53):
as possible because we've got minimal disruption on airline services
and connectivity to the territory. Because it's it's it's something
we don't want to see any further reduction. So at
the moment, we know that the airlines con see the schedules.
They'll be publicly released soon. But the most important thing
is that the airlines have it, and we're keeping a
close eye on how they respond. But so far, the
(09:14):
only news and feedback I've had is that it's meant
the cancelations of that Jetstar Barley service for that period.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
Yeah, let's hope that is the case, because it will
be incredibly difficult if it ends up that there's more
airlines doing the same. And I know that it is
something that people are really pretty worried about. Minister, just
a very quick one. I know you're not going to
tell me which airlines, but how many airlines are you
in negotiation with at the moment.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
We have had so far as just the starting point
we're in discussions are two very significant airlines. However, we've
had many other airlines also expressed in interest to have
these conversations, So we're continuing to work through that and
see what opportunities there are.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
So two very significant ones, any idea when we're going
to have sort of a better underst if they will
come to operate in the territory.
Speaker 2 (10:04):
Now, I'm hoped soon, Katie. Again, I'm just trying to
get the best outcome here for territorials, and that is
getting these deals done. So I'm hoping to have some
news to be able to report soon. But I don't
want to put any more pressure on these sensitive negotiations
because I want to get the deals done.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
All right now with the airline works, when do you
reckon we're going to have a better timeline so that
we have a better idea what's going to happen or
if there will be further disruptions if.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
We are waiting Defense to release that publicly. However, they
have been released to airlines and they were released about
two weeks ago, so they can see them. It's just
the public information will be going out as soon as
my understanding.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
All right, Hey, another quick one. Yesterday we spoke to
Alex Bruce, the CEO of hospitality here in the Northern Territory,
and talked more about digital driver's licenses and whether we
need to convert over to those, Minister, are we any
close so do that happening?
Speaker 2 (11:02):
Yeah, this is a body of work that since with
infrastructure planning and logistics and our amazing you know, a
digital and communications department here, we are looking at it
and seeing what we can get done. I think everybody
would agree that we just like to take our smart
device out and we like to be able to use it.
(11:22):
And having a digital license is certainly something that I
think everybody wants to happen. So it is something that
we are certainly looking forwards. You know, I'd certainly want
those school licenses to still be available to our older
territorians who might not be you know, people who want
to be is walking around with a smartphone.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Yeah as well, Now I thought yesterday, oh yes, we're
all going to be all for this. I'm keen as
to get my digital license onto my phone, but not
everyone felt this.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Sid, Well, it's the bloody better. But you know, yeah,
some people, some people, not every Smartphones are not cheap
for everyone, and you know, not everybody wants to use them,
so you know we're going to make sure we take
care of everybody here.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Yeah, absolutely well, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and also
the Deputy Chief ministeron Nicole Madison. We will leave it there.
Thank you for your time this morning.
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Thanks Katie, thank you.
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