More tension between Abbott and Hockey.
Tony Abbott locks horns with Joe Hockey over Qantas debt guarantee March 3, 2014 - 2:48PM
Jonathan Swan
National political reporter
Tony Abbott is heading into Monday afternoon's cabinet meeting determined to frustrate Qantas management's hopes for a government-backed debt guarantee.
While Treasurer Joe Hockey has spent the past few weeks indicating he would consider guaranteeing Qantas' debt, the Prime Minister appears to have hardened his views against that course of action.
Asked on Monday whether the idea of a debt guarantee was off the table entirely, Mr Abbott replied: "If you do something for one, in fairness you've got to do it for all.
"This is a government which is not in the business of favouring one company over another."
Following Qantas confirming last Thursday it would cut 5000 jobs, Virgin reported a $84 million first-half loss – from a $23 million profit in the prior half – as it competes fiercely on price with Qantas and Jetstar in the domestic market.
In his press conference on Monday, the Prime Minister praised Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti, who has protested loudly against the federal government giving any aid to his competitor, Qantas.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/tony-abbott-locks-horns-with-joe-hockey-over-qantas-debt-guarantee-20140303-33ymu.html#ixzz2usN3vNyx