That the ICPA (Aust) continue to advocate to Qantas for the development and implementation of a nationally accessible airfare discount program for all rural and remote students.
The Julia Creek Branch thanks Federal Council for its previous advocacy to Qantas through Motion S10 (2024), which called for the establishment of a discount code to assist rural and remote students in accessing their educational facilities without the burden of excessive flight costs.
Our branch supports the ongoing efforts of ICPA Aust to continue engagement and lobbying with Qantas on this matter. Qantas currently offers a limited Residents Fare program for eligible Frequent Flyer members; however, access to this program is inequitable. Rural and remote students in Northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Northwestern Australia may benefit, while those in New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia are excluded.
In addition, the Residents Fare program is restrictive, operating only on designated routes with no flexibility in departure or return points. This does not reflect the realities faced by rural and remote families, where travel is often impacted by weather events, medical requirements, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Branch members attending the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Conference in Darwin observed that Qantas was able to provide attendees with a secure discount access code. This demonstrates that such a system is both feasible and achievable.
A practical solution would be the introduction of a verified Student Travel ID system, where eligibility is confirmed annually through an existing trusted body such as Services Australia or through school enrolment. Students could then be issued a unique ID linked to their booking profile, allowing discounted fares to be automatically applied. This approach would ensure privacy, reduce administrative burden, prevent misuse, and provide a consistent, national framework while allowing flexibility in travel arrangements.
If Qantas can issue secure event-based discount codes, and government already verifies student eligibility through AIC, then integrating a one-time verified digital ID for rural and remote students is both achievable and appropriate.
