13 November 2014

Hon Dr Premier of Office of the Premier 1 Treasury Place , Victoria Australia, 3002

By facsimile: (03) 9651 5054

CC: Liberal Candidates – Lara, , Bellarine, South Barwon, Werribee

Dear Premier Napthine,

RE: Future of Avalon Airport

Today the Australian Services Union held a Candidates’ Forum in Geelong over the critical issue of the future of Avalon Airport.

The ASU see it as critical that Avalon Airport is a commercially viable second airport, servicing the western suburbs of Melbourne, Greater Geelong area, as well as western regional Victoria.

Unfortunately, none of the Liberal Party candidates attended the forum, so workers from Avalon Airport were unable to hear how your policies will address this vital piece of Victoria’s infrastructure.

As you would be aware, Jetstar are the only commercial airline to operate from Avalon Airport. Jetstar’s schedule and its number of services has significantly reduced over the last few years. Jetstar now only operates a Melbourne/Sydney service between 3 and 5 times a day.

Many ASU members believe this significant decline and the lack of investment in the airport will lead to an eradication of Avalon Airport unless there is State Government intervention immediately.

ASU members are not simply Avalon airport workers, they are residents of the surrounding electorates. They are very keen to understand what a re-elected Napthine Government will do to secure their future, but most importantly, they and the wider community deserve to know how your Party will address their impending concern.

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Accordingly I seek your urgent response to the following critical questions:

1. Will you guarantee the future of Avalon as a viable second airport past April 2015 if your Party forms government on November 29? 2. Will you work to ensure that Avalon Airport attracts further investment and receives the funding it needs to be a credible second airport for Victoria? 3. Will you ensure Avalon Airport workers have a future post April 2015?

I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,

INGRID STITT BRANCH SECRETARY

Australian Services Union Victorian Private Sector Branch

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