Canberra Airport was at a standstill on this day in 1983 as pilots around the country refused to operate services to the national capital in protest against proposed taxes on superannuation.
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The government had given pilots three days to resume services, after a stoush of as many days, or else they would face "immediate action", a report on the front page of The Canberra Times read.
"As far as we are concerned, they will just damned well fly," then minister for aviation, Kim Beazley, said the day before.
"Now ... everybody understands a normal industrial dispute between an airline and the pilots, and we adjust ourselves accordingly.
"But this is a political process against the government on the part of people who are substantial beneficiaries of the government regulatory scheme."
The blockade was having an impact on the ACT's tourism and accommodation industry, with the general manager of Canberra International Motor Inn, Roger Gorman, saying it had reduced business by about 20 per cent.
On average, about 2200 passengers a day arrived or departed from Canberra Airport.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
