CFI - you are correct. It was a Labour Government that first proposed 'selling airports'. Archerfield Airport is suffering like all GA airports at the moment.
Prior to the election the Archerfield Airport Chamber of Commerce invited the local Liberal candidate (and sitting member) and Labour candidate to attend a chamber meeting to address members on their respective aviation policy with particular regard to GA. Only the Labour member, Graham Perrett accepted our offer. In fact Graham attended two meetings, the first of which was also attended by Martin Ferguson. The members were certainly impressed with Martin's candid responses and his knowledge of aviation.
Martin confirmed that Labour would continue along the privatisation lines, however he acknowledged that GA is currently struggling with airports under the control of the Airport Leasing Companies. Martin commented that the then Government (Coalition), did not have the balance right with respect to GA airports and the aviation sector and he made a committment that Labour would be looking to redress this situation if elected - sooner rather than later.
On the other hand Mark Vaile and the then local member, Gary Hardgrave refused to meet with the Chamber. Mark Vaile is aware of the Chamber's existence as one report provided to Mr Vaile a couple of months ago into the alleged illegal construction of a corporate hangar has only resulted in a reduction of IFR TODA being reduced from 1,471 metres to 1,095 metres (refer Notam for Archerfield). Instead of seeking removal of the building and returning the airport to pre-privatisation standards, the coalition Government simply 'allowed' the airport to be degraded. Ironically, these hangers in question will house corporate jets that may not be able to take off in bad weather under IFR conditions due to the substantially reduced TODA.
Labour offers the only hope to save GA around this country. Lets hope they can live up to their promises.
http://www.aacci.org.au