ISA has prepared this submission for the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into the Determinants of Regional Airfares. ISA consulted with the state and territory Associations of Independent Schools (AISs) in preparing this submission.
Independent schools in regional, rural and remote areas are directly impacted by the cost, reliability and availability of regional air services. For many of these communities, air travel is not discretionary; it is essential infrastructure that underpins school operations, workforce participation and student access to services and opportunities.
The availability of affordable, consistent and reliable transport options, including air travel, enhances productivity and supports safe, sustainable work practices. When this is absent, it increases costs for schools, constrains access to education and community participation, compromises safety, limits professional development opportunities and undermines workforce stability and effectiveness.
In this submission, ISA outlines a series of practical recommendations to improve the affordability, availability and reliability of regional air services. These recommendations are informed by consultation with the Associations of Independent Schools (AISs) and reflect the experiences of schools, students and staff in regional and remote Australia. Together, they aim to support fairer access to essential air travel and strengthen the role it plays in education delivery and community connection.