Greens accuse AirTrain of ripping off Queensland taxpayers
The Australian Greens party has accused the foreign-owned operator of Brisbane's AirTrain of avoiding income tax for a decade while charging high fares. The company is currently protected by an exclusive government deal that prevents alternative public transport options until 2036.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights tensions between private infrastructure ownership and public service affordability, sparking debate over government contracts.
AirTrain's parent company paid zero income tax in the past decade. ( ABC News: Christopher Gillette )
The Greens say Brisbane's AirTrain service paid zero income tax in the past 10 years.
Michael Berkman says the foreign-owned company is ripping off Queensland taxpayers.
AirTrain is not due to return to public hands until 2036.
Link copied Share Share article Brisbane's "rip-off" airport shuttle service paid zero income tax to Australia while parking its assets overseas, Greens MP Michael Berkman has said.
Financial reports by USS Axle, which owns the Brisbane AirTrain service, show the company paid zero income tax between 2015 and 2025 financial years.
USS Axle's parent company, Universities Superannuation Scheme, is based in the United Kingdom and holds significant international assets.
Michael Berkman says AirTrain is ripping off Queensland taxpayers. ( ABC News: Janelle Miles )
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