Rex Airlines

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (14:35): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question about Rex Airlines of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN: The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acknowledged last week that the recent announcement by Rex Airlines that they were reducing their weekly flights by five times a week return between Adelaide and Mount Gambier will have an impact on the tourism industry. Has the Minister for Tourism sought advice about the impact of the reduction of flights on the tourism industry to Mount Gambier and the broader Limestone Coast?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:35): I thank the honourable member for her question. As the member would be aware, the Minister for Regional Development did make some comments in relation to the withdrawal of the Rex services. I have had a number of meetings with the Minister for Regional Development and, as members would be aware, we recently revisited the Regional Visitor Strategy, and I will be in the South-East talking to operators in the very near future to gauge that impact.

It is disappointing when a regional airline reduces services, and we are doing everything we can to talk to Rex about getting that airline back in service and servicing Mount Gambier.