May 5, 2009

Jetstar fined $148,500 for curfew breach

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,

Regional Development and Local Government

Leader of the House

Member for Grayndler

May 5 2009

Today at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court, Jetstar was fined $148,500 for breaching the curfew at Sydney Airport in December 2007.

Jetstar is the first Australian airline to be prosecuted and fined for breaching the curfew.

On 3 December 2007, a Jetstar flight departed Sydney Airport just prior to 11.30pm – half an hour after the start of curfew – even though its application for a curfew dispensation had been refused. In January 2009, the airline pleaded guilty to the curfew breach.

Compliance with curfew legislation must be observed. The Government remains committed to the retention of the existing curfew and cap on movements at Sydney Airport.

Today’s Court decision sends a strong message to all airlines that the Rudd Labor Government is serious about balancing the industry’s needs with protecting the quality of life within local communities.

The maximum penalty for the criminal offence of breaching the Sydney Airport Curfew is $550,000 per event.