TRANSCRIPT: PRIME 7 NEWS WITH EMILY FRANCIS, 8 OCTOBER 2024

Subjects: Rex Airlines Government Intervention

E&OE

STARTS: 1.39PM

EMILY FRANCIS

So, this latest poll was pretty, you know, just solidified what we all thought on the ground, do you agree with it?

 MICHAEL McCORMACK

Well, look, I was surprised, quite frankly, it wasn't higher than what it was. Indeed, Australians and particularly regional Australians want Rex to be continuing to fly into their towns. Rex is, in many cases, the only regional flyer into so many of those towns. And Rex brings with it health professionals. During COVID it brought vaccines. It saved people's lives. And it's important, it's incumbent upon the Government to continue Rex to fly, particularly into those one-airline carrier towns, because without Rex people will die. It's as simple as that. I've just, in the last five minutes, had a discussion with the Transport Minister, Catherine King. I asked her about the survey. And she, like me, wants a market-based solution to Rex's issues. She, like me, wants Rex to continue to fly to regional Australia. So, you know, in that sense, we are as one on this issue. And I'll continue to advocate for Rex. I'll continue to advocate for regional Australians having an affordable, available carrier. And I'll do whatever I can. I'll fight hard to make sure that Rex continues to fly — obviously, market-based solution. The Government, I know, is working through that every day with Rex and others to bring about the best outcome. I support them on that. I do. And it's just too important not to have Rex flying to those country destinations. It's just too important.

 EMILY FRANCIS

Perfect. That is all I need. You’ve answered, covered off, everything I needed there. Thanks, Michael.

 MICHAEL McCORMACK

Okay. Talk soon. Bye.

 ENDS: 1.41PM