Qantas, as a national airline currently owned by a diverse group of Australian interests including Australian mum and dad investors, has long been given protected status in the US-Australian airline market.

“If Qantas were to be owned by an equity group of indeterminate nationality then it would no longer be distinctly Australian and should be exposed to competition on the US-Australian route, just like any other airline.” Senator Joyce said.

“To continue the special treatment, if Qantas was taken over by a private equity group, would be giving the equity group favoured treatment. This would be equivalent to picking winners and that is not what competition law and policy is about.” Senator Joyce added.

“It is in the national interest to keep Qantas Australian. I will continue to work very hard to protect those hard working Australians who have made Qantas a great Australian company.”