Legislative Council, Wednesday 22 March, 2023

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

Mr President, I might comment on that further in adjournment. My further question is to the Leader:

(1) Has the Government had any discussions with Regional Express Airlines regarding Patient Travel Assistance Scheme-funded travel between King Island and Burnie Winyard Airport? If not, are there any plans to explore this option to enable greater travel options for King Islanders travelling on and off the island for medical care.

ANSWER

The answer is currently staff from the Patient Travel Assistance Scheme on the north-west arrange all bookings from patients travelling from King Island. Sharp Airlines, King Island Airlines and Regional Express Airlines are used for patient travel, with the determination of which airline to use dependent on the time the patient needs to leave the island and based on the most economical fare on the day.

Current schedules for Rex from King Island to Burnie has the aircraft departing the island at 4 p.m. most days, which is not always convenient for patients. There is a flight departing King Island at 11.25 a.m. most days, however that flight has a six-hour stopover in Melbourne, before arriving in Burnie at 8.25 p.m. Sharp Airlines has a 9.20 a.m. daily flight, which the minister is advised that patients prefer to utilise, as it means that patients can return to the island the same day depeding on appointment times, rather than needing to leave the island the day prior at the 4 p.m. flight, and needing accommodation.

At this stage, there are no plans to explore greater travel options with Rex, as PTAS have the capability of booking flights with them currently as required.