The Australian also said the discussion paper, which outlines government thinking ahead of a policy paper to be released next year, will reiterate the government's opposition to granting third-party access to routes between Australia and the United States, one of the world's most protected airlinks.
Singapore Airlines, the world's largest by market value, has been pushing for access to the route as it seeks new markets to help offset competition from low-cost carriers in Asia.
It estimates opening the Pacific route to more competition could increase the number of travelers between the United States and Australia by up to 8 percent.
A 2006 report for Singapore Airlines said Qantas charged 38 percent more for flights from Sydney to Los Angeles than on the competitive route from Sydney to London.
New government still shuts SQ out.