REX has done a massive letterbox drop to Dubbo residents accusing the council of lying to the public regarding its passenger head tax, and its need to charge for and provide security screening at the airport.

They said other things too, but we could not print them.

The council hit back with a full-page ad in our paper and by giving councillor John Ryan the task of spokesperson on the issue.

Those that know Cr Ryan know he does not mince words and he didn't, he said REX was running a cheap and nasty campaign full of mistruths focusing on the hip pockets of drought-affected Dubbo passengers. He accused REX of only being interested in increasing its profits at the expense of safety, and that's the stuff we could print!

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But who benefits from this war of words?

We'd argue it is not Dubbo aeroplane passengers.

It appears REX could offer the cheaper "community" airfare to Dubbo passengers regardless of the council's fees and still be profitable.

We hear the relevant authorities are contemplating making airport security screening mandatory no matter what size aircraft use the airport, so what REX are fighting for (for the council to drop security screening for the size aircraft REX use) may well end up an incontestable point.

Regardless of whether or not mandatory security screening does happen, why don't REX want their passengers to be as safe as possible?

Let's say REX does get its way and they have no security screening on its aircraft, and someone gets on board one of its flights with a pair of box cutters and causes havoc. Who is responsible for jeopardising the safety of those onboard?

Let's hope we never have to find out.

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