There is a big difference between urging strong competitors like Banks and supermarkets to co-operate and propping up businesses which were in a perilous state BEFORE Coronavirus. COVID19 should not be an excuse to save failed businesses any more than it should be an excuse for an unregulated monopoly.
The shareholders of VA have allowed their business to be mismanaged to the point where it is today. I have no sympathy for them.
I have enormous sympathy for the 10,000 staff who will suffer as a result of their lack of leadership. This is where the anger should be directed.
As a taxpayer, I would be appalled to see Branson, who already profiteered enormously from VirginBlue (to the detriment of yours and my superannuation), be supported by the Australian Government. Same goes for the rest of the shareholders.
The Government need a solution which minimises job losses, preserves entitlements and avoids propping up failed investments by foreign billionaires and airlines.
Time for leadership