The Albanese government launched a public consultation period on a proposed new aviation consumer protection scheme on Monday, aiming to provide greater protection for those affected by unexpected flight delays or cancellations.

What is the aviation consumer protection scheme?

The scheme will clarify the expectations of airlines and outline the minimum level of assistance required.

Push for airlines to refund passengers for delays

“What we’re trying to do is, in the immediate circumstances where people are delayed, have lost their baggage, trying to really get that done quickly, rather than often people are trying to, days or sometimes weeks and months later, trying to get some form of redress, trying to get it quickly.”

Government seeks public feedback on scheme

If the government goes ahead with the scheme, it will be accompanied by an ombudsman scheme and a new regulator. The ombudsman will assist with customer complaints if they’re unable to solve them directly with the airline.