So, if there's a cost advantage, a cost benefit, history has shown that the airlines will use it to sharpen fares."

Except on regional routes where they collude with Virgin on which airlines flies which route and there is no competition.

It has been proven that airport fees make up no more that 8% of fares on regional routes.

If they are only charging $89 between Sydney and Melbourne then the Airport fees make up a much larger percentage.

On a $1500 fare from Cloncurry to Brisbane it's next to nothing.

So we are subsidising the cheap coastal fares.

By his own admission today this whole business with airports is a moot argument if it is "competition which ultimately sets airfares."

In North West Queensland Qantas conveniently doesn't fly any routes that Virgin fly and Virgin doesn't fly any of the routes that Qantas fly.

Neither fly the routes that REX fly.

This is the same in most regions, especially where there is no regulation.

So the issue of high air fares in regional Australia is solved.

Where there is no competition to ultimately set airfares the airlines set them very very high.

One would assume to offset cheap fares where there is competition.

It has nothing to do with booking as far ahead as possible, airport fees, uptake or economies of scale.

When a price is set as high as one like just because you can.... this is called price gouging!

This should be all the evidence the ACCC needs to investigate, it came straight from Mr Joyce himself.

You'd think a CEO on 24 million would be smarter that to admit to blatantly ripping off his customers.

Hamish Griffin,

Cloncurry

R U OK DAY is about starting conversations around mental health, and it all starts with one little question.

Serious illness can impact mental health.

Cancer brings with it a number of challenges and strong emotions, for the person diagnosed as well as those around them.

Cancer treatment takes time and at points can be demanding. There are periods of waiting and uncertainty.

Experiencing a range of emotions is normal and everyone will cope differently. Sometimes you can put on a brave face and other times you may find talking to someone is helpful.

A critical part of Cancer Council Queensland's work is providing information and support to families impacted by cancer. Our 13 11 20 phone number is accessible to all Queenslanders impacted by cancer and acts as a link into our other cancer services and information, including counselling. Last year alone, 13 11 20 responded to 7855 contacts.

This R U OK Day I encourage those who have been affected by a cancer diagnosis to call 13 11 20 for support and the wider community to reach out to loved ones who are facing challenging times.

We can all make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs.

If you're worried about someone and feel they need professional support, encourage them to connect with a trusted health professional like their GP. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Chris McMillan

CEO, Cancer Council Queensland