In an opinion piece to be in tomorrow's 'The Age' (and probably 'SMH'), much respected former ACCC Chairman Prof Allan Fels weighs into the debate:

(Hear! Hear!)

Opinion

‘Blatantly anticompetitive’: By protecting Qantas, the government backs corporations over consumers

Allan Fels

Former chairman Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

August 29, 2023 — 6.30pm

"The Albanese government’s decision to protect Qantas by blocking Qatar Airways from running extra flights from Europe to Australia, which would lower airfares significantly for Australians and tourists wanting to visit, appears to prioritise the profits of a private company over cost to consumers.

While many national airlines receive protection from their governments, at a time when most Australians are struggling to pay their bills, government intervention to protect a company that made a $2.5 billion, record profit to July does not appear to be in the interests of the people it is supposed to represent.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announces record profits earlier this month.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos /

Embattled Qantas CEO Alan Joyce claimed in a grilling from senators on Monday that giving greater access to Qatar would distort the market. In fact, the government’s decision distorts the market in favour of his company.

The government’s decision needs to be examined publicly by an independent body such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, possibly assisted by the International Airlines Services Commission..."