Editor’s view: Albanese and Bowen’s VIP jets flying to same venue doesn’t pass the pub test

Having two gas-guzzling VIP jets carrying the PM and Energy Minister to the same place is in direct conflict with the Albanese government’s climate change agenda, writes the editor.

Australians want their politicians to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk.

That’s why the backlash to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Energy Minister Chris Bowen using two air force jets to ferry themselves to a clean-energy event – potentially costing taxpayers more than $100,000 – can come as no surprise.

The furore unfolded after a picture of two Dassault Falcon 7X jets belonging to the Royal Australian Air Force emerged on a community Facebook page.

Quite rightly, it raised questions about why two aircraft were needed to take Mr Albanese and Mr Bowen from Canberra to the same event in Scone to announce $1bn in funding for the Solar SunShot program to encourage the local manufacture of solar panels.

Mr Bowen claimed the large number of staff in his office and Mr Albanese’s office meant they could not fit on one jet – there simply weren’t enough seats.

An RAAF Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft.

The fact no one in the pair’s immense entourage – no doubt including a handful of spin doctors – recognised this would not pass the pub test is baffling.

A solution should have been sought and quickly implemented.

It was, after all, a key climate announcement and we are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis where greater scrutiny is being placed on government spending.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie made the point there were direct commercial flights available, and taxpayers “are right to ask questions about the need for two VIP jets to get the entourage of ministers and their staff” to the event.

“It is perplexing ... particularly when there were flights costing $208 per person (to Newcastle) available,” she said.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

And she is correct – that is certainly one of the options that could have been explored. Taking fewer staff is another.

Australians know politicians to undertake frequent travel in the course of their work, and expect it.

But they expect some thought to go into the process.

The Albanese government has made no apologies for putting climate change near the top of its agenda.

So to have two gas-guzzling VIP jets going to the same place seems to be in direct conflict with that agenda.

And the extra cost to taxpayers is also a tough pill for many to swallow, as energy and grocery bills soar in most households.

This episode should serve as a reminder to the Albanese government not to take anything for granted – especially taxpayer money.

Living very parent’s worst nightmare

It is every parent’s nightmare – to feel powerless while your child needs help.

Today we tell the stories of two parents who have been through so much, and our hearts go out to both of them.

Ipswich mum Kristen Welch, whose son Arjac is autistic, tells of her family’s life with their largely non-verbal son.

Every night when tucking Arjac into bed she would say “I love you”.

One night, out of the blue, little Arjuc responded “I love you too”.

It brought tears to the eyes of Kristen, who credits early intervention for the heartwarming breakthrough.

The federal government will on Tuesday release its draft National Autism Strategy, which aims to improve the quality of life of the more than 205,000 autistic Australians – and their loved ones.

Zara Mulheran.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the strategy would foster inclusion and acceptance throughout Australian communities, “recognising autistic strengths and the power of individual diversity and capacity”.

It includes a commitment to increase “meaningful employment opportunities” for autistic people and support employers to hire and retain neurodivergent employees.

It’s great news for parents like Kristen, and for kids like Arjac whose future prospects are so much greater than autistic children from generations past.

Today we also tell the story of Carly Mulheran and her daughter Zara, who on Monday night was fighting for life at Queensland Children’s Hospital after complications developing from a simple hand, foot and mouth infection.

Ms Mulheran claims 20-month-old Zara has been let down by Queensland Health, who eventually invoked “Ryan’s Rule” to force a clinical review of a desperately ill Zara.

Ryan’s Rule was introduced after the death of Ryan Saunders from an undiagnosed Streptococcal infection in 2007. Ryan’s parents did not think their concerns were being taken seriously.

Tragically, little Zara suffered a cardiac arrest after she was admitted to ICU.

Her life now hangs in the balance.