Anthony Albanese, Member for Grayndler has welcomed the decision today by Airservices Australia to retain separate Terminal Control Units at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport and at airports across Australia.

“This is an important victory for air safety and a win for local jobs,” said Mr Albanese.

“I have campaigned to retain local control of air traffic in the Parliament and in the community since the proposal was first introduced in 2000. I gave speeches in Parliament, collecting petitions and pressured the Government on this issue. This is a vital win for our local community”.

“The proposal to consolidate Australia’s air traffic control to two bases would have seen all of Sydney’s air traffic controlled though Melbourne and would have meant the loss of over 50 staff at KSA.”

“The proposal was about penny pinching, when the number one priority should always be safety.”

“Local knowledge is critical. Issues of air traffic control, aircraft noise and pollution must be dealt with on a local level.”

“Minister Truss has now come and gone in the Transport portfolio without once visiting Sydney’s inner west to comprehend the affect of aircraft noise on local residents.”

“I again extend an invitation to Minister Vaile in his new role to visit my electorate and experience first hand the impact of aircraft noise has on the lives of Grayndler residents.”