QANTAS managers are expected to front a Senate inquiry into the airline, as debate continues over what the government should do to support the company.
Labor is set to gain the support of the Senate on Thursday for an inquiry into measures that would ensure Qantas remains a strong national carrier, including a government debt guarantee, equity stake and other forms of support.
The inquiry will also look at the benefits of Qantas remaining in majority Australian hands, in terms of national security, tourism marketing and emergency assistance.
Qantas last week announced it would cut 5000 jobs, ditch purchases of new aircraft and make other changes in a bid to save $2 billion over three years and return to profit.
The airline has succeeded in lobbying the government to change legislation allowing it to take on greater than 49 per cent foreign ownership, but had a bid for a debt guarantee or $3 billion loan facility knocked back.
Treasurer Joe Hockey on Wednesday confirmed the government had conducted due diligence at the company's request, but concluded the best way forward was to change the Qantas Sale Act.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce told a business function in Sydney the airline's management would be happy to assist any parliamentary inquiries.
Mr Joyce said he was not surprised by the government's decision to refuse a debt guarantee.
The future of Qantas dominated question time in parliament on Wednesday, a day ahead of the government introducing its legislation.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott challenged Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to stand by Labor's 2009 commitment to amend the Qantas Sale Act to allow foreign airlines to hold more than a 35 per cent stake in Qantas or a greater than 25 per cent stake for any single foreign shareholder.
"Come on across - vote with us," he said.
Mr Shorten said both Mr Hockey and Transport Minister Warren Truss five years ago had said that it was in the national interest and would protect Australian jobs if the act remained unchanged.
Labor transport spokesman Anthony Albanese called on the government to release its due diligence on Qantas.
Mr Hockey said the report was commercially confidential and the government would not be revisiting the issue of either the debt guarantee or loan.
"They are not on the table," he said of the option.
Mr Hockey said Qantas should also step up its lobbying of Labor and crossbench senators to pass the repeal laws.
Qantas said in a statement that it would focus on what it could control, and not the political debate.
ACTU secretary Dave Oliver, who met with Mr Joyce on Wednesday, said Qantas workers had yet to be given any indication which jobs would go.
"We want to work to secure the future of the airline but it can't just be a case of cutting jobs or workers' conditions."
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