Australian Government Minister Refuses Senate Committee Appearance on Qatar Airways Decision

The Australian minister responsible for denying additional flying rights to Qatar Airways, Catherine King, will not be compelled to appear before a Senate Select Committee to explain her decision, despite threats to penalize airline executives who fail to attend.

King’s refusal to grant Qatar Airways’ request for increased capacity sparked controversy, with widespread local support for the airline’s application. Although the minister has not provided a clear explanation for the denial, it is widely believed that lobbying by Qantas influenced the decision. Qatar Airways had sought to double its current weekly round-trip limit of 28 flights to Australia’s major airports.

The Senate Committee on Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which has heard testimony from various witnesses, including Qatar Airways executives and Qantas representatives, wants King to clarify her decision. However, she has invoked a long-standing practice that House of Representatives members, including herself, do not appear before Senate committees.

The committee’s chairperson, Senator Bridget McKenzie, has threatened former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce with jail if he fails to appear. While such penalties are rarely enforced, this move has raised questions about the committee’s credibility. The Liberal/National opposition coalition plans to explore alternative avenues to compel King to disclose details of the lobbying efforts that influenced her decision.

In response to the situation, King accused McKenzie of engaging in a political stunt, emphasizing the tradition that members of the House of Representatives do not attend Senate committee hearings.