The Territory Labor Government responded quickly to support remote communities and our Regular Public Transport (RPT) aviation industry, to continue to provide Scheduled Essential Air Services at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Territory’s RPT services have played a significant role in enabling the Territory to respond to the COVID-19 crisis through the retention of critical freight supply chains and ability to transport essential personnel where needed.
Not only are these scheduled flights important for freight to enter communities right across the NT, they also continue to supply crucial goods such as medical supplies and essential workers such as health professionals, electricians, and telecommunications when needed.
To make sure remote parts of the NT continued to have access to essential services, personnel and freight, the Territory Labor Government stepped in quickly with a $2 million support package to retain RPT services through the month of April.
After receiving Territory funding which acted quickly and effectively, Territory operators are now benefiting from financial support from the Australian Government’s $198 million Regional Airline Network Support Program.
Australia’s and the Territory’s aviation industry is critical to protecting livelihoods and saving lives, and that’s why the Territory Labor Government’s Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics lobbied the Federal Government for domestic flight support within and out of the NT.
The continuation of these services means there are jobs for Territorians, as well as essential freight and services can still make their way to these communities when needed.
To see available flights visit https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/community-advice/remote-communities
As noted by the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics:
“Our freight industry has never been more important.
“We, the Territory Labor Government acted quickly when it came to securing our freight services and making sure our essential personnel could access parts of the Territory. This funding also made sure local jobs have also been saved.
“Through the meetings this government has been having with the Australian Government we are seeing their vital aviation funding programs support Territorians.
“We will continue to work with the Australian Government and operators making sure their industry has the support they need to retain as many services as possible.”
