Media Release

KAP Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has for the second consecutive year made representations to the ACCC requesting an immediate inquiry into airline companies’ obscene price escalation during footy finals season.

Mr Katter specifically refers to the Brisbane to Townsville route which has experienced price increases up to $300 + return for the semi-final this weekend.

While Broncos fans are being hurt now, assuming the Cowboy’s beat the Broncos, it will be the Cowboys fans being burdened in two weeks’ time with the price hike.

Mr Katter said, “This is outrageous behaviour of corporations taking advantage of their powerful position in the market place. In my opinion it breeches the act.

“At the very least there should be pressure on the ACCC upon the two key airlines.

“These two corporations enjoy a virtual duopoly. And with that should come a sense of responsibility.

“I most certainly believe they should not be profiteering like this.

“When I went to university I did economics, I was told that supply and demand only determined price in the presence of an infinite number of buyers and sellers. In this case, there are many thousands of desperate buyers, and there are only three, arguably two sellers. That was called an oligopoly, which is bad enough in itself, but the use of that powerful position is in fact in breach of statutory law, as well as common law. Protective mechanisms of Government such as the ACCC are there to ensure these things don’t happen.”

Background:

Below is a comparison table prepared by Mr Katter’s office on 12 September 2016 based on online advertised direct airfares. The table compares different airline prices and also compares two consecutive Friday/Saturdays (16/17 September and 23/24 September) for travel from Brisbane to Townsville return.