Labor candidate for Farrer Glen Hyde is calling on the Liberal and National parties to match Labor's commitment to Keep Rex Flying.

Labor candidate for the seat of Farrer says the Albanese Labor Government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring regional Australians have access to reliable, affordable, and accessible air travel.

“This builds on the strong advocacy of Senator Deborah O’Neill, Labor’s Duty Senator for Farrer, who has consistently championed the needs of regional communities,” Glen Hyde said.

Rex is the only airline that flies to the Leeton-Narrandera airport, and as a provider of regular services to Albury, Griffith and Mildura and Mr Hyde said it is an essential part of competition and frequency of services in large parts of the electorate.

“The Albanese Government has committed to supporting Rex and keeping regional communities connected to the services they need and deserve,” he said.

“This is because regional Australians deserve to know that their government has their backs. Where markets struggle to deliver essential services, it is essential that regional communities are supported by government.

“In stark contrast, the Nationals and Liberals have shown nothing but confusion and contradiction. Nationals Leader David Littleproud and Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley have publicly criticised Rex and Labor’s position, while offering no real solutions.

“Nationals Senator Perin Davey joked about the future of Rex in a speech the Senate. Their approach would see the largest regional airline in Australia carved up and sold for parts, leaving regional Australians stranded.

“Only Labor remains committed to securing regional aviation, while the Liberals and Nationals dismiss Government action as “a bridge too far”.”

“Regional Australians deserve a government that will fight for them, not abandon them,” Senator Deborah O’Neill, Labor Senator for New South Wales said.

“While Labor is doing everything we can to protect regional aviation, the Liberals and Nationals have made it clear they oppose any intervention to help.

"Aviation services are critical to keeping communities across Farrer connected,” Mr Hyde said

“Not everyone is a pilot, or has the resources to fly their own plane. People in our communities need access to regular and reliable services to access medical services and stay connected to families, employment and economic opportunity.”