Politically, aviation was sold a pup in the 80's
Before the Dick Smith bashing starts. I have a recollection it was Frank Crean in the Whitlam government when it would have been the Dept of Transport Air Transport Group? But that was pre-eighties.
But I agree. Aircraft pay search & rescue levies, but boats & bush walkers do not. We pay airnav charges to go places but cars and boats do not. We pay for a special regime of medicals, but truck drivers and sea captains do not. we pay for airnavigation beacons, but boats do not pay for lighthouses, beacons and buoys. The list goes on.