ALP 'open mind' on Qantas
ALP 'open mind' on Qantas
Katharine Murphy
October 07, 2004
LABOR has given its strongest hint a Latham government could overhaul regulations restricting foreign ownership in Qantas if it helped Australia's dominant carrier to preserve local jobs.
Labor transport spokesman Martin Ferguson said yesterday he had an open mind on the question of foreign ownership restrictions.
"Labor has said it is prepared to have a realistic discussion," Mr Ferguson told The Australian.
"I have an open mind on working with Qantas to ensure Australian jobs are protected," he said.
Qantas would be a strong supporter of any change in the current regime as the airline has campaigned in Canberra for years for an end to the restrictions that cap foreign ownership at 49 per cent.
Mr Ferguson pointed to recent developments in the aviation industry as being critical to Qantas's future.
Market watchers are expecting Singapore Airlines to seek partnerships with Qantas or Virgin Blue after its recent decision to sell its shares in Air New Zealand. British Airways has also recently sold its $1.1 billion stake in Qantas.