Peter Dutton admits asking billionaire Gina Rinehart for free flight – after days of hammering Anthony Albanese about his Qantas perks

The furor over claims that Anthony Albanese personally requested flight upgrade freebies from ex-Qantas boss Alan Joyce, which he has denied, has turned to the Coalition.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has confirmed his office has contacted mining billionaire Gina Rinehart to provide him with a private plane to fly from regional Queensland to Sydney, contradicting an earlier response.

On Tuesday, the opposition leader told journalists that neither he nor his office had approached Ms Rinehart about a private flight in November 2022, but he backtracked on his response two days later.

Mr Dutton said he was traveling to Rockhampton at the time and had to travel to Sydney for a memorial ceremony in Bali and was unable to arrange a commercial flight to take him to Mackay.

“We asked the government for a RAAF flight, they played games and they didn’t offer that flight, and at that point I think we had a charter estimate of about $40,000 to fly from Rockhampton to Sydney and then back to Mackay. he said.

“I thought that was very expensive and the cheaper option for the taxpayers was for my office to consult with Ms. Rinehart’s office to see if the plane might be available.”

He took a parting shot at Mr. Albanese, saying, “That didn’t cost the taxpayers anything.”

Peter Dutton hit out at the Prime Minister, saying his flight was at no cost to taxpayers because Ms Rinehart paid for it

“I don’t think you’ll get as clear an explanation as the Prime Minister’s, but that’s what happened.”

Asked if he saw “a problem” with accepting a private flight from the billionaire, he said: “No, I can’t.” I’m sorry’.

While there may be no cost to taxpayers for the flight Ms. Rinehart paid for, questions have been raised about politicians asking for perks and the influence that could bring to those offering them.

Mr Dutton said he did not believe there was ‘a problem’ when he asked Ms Rinehart (pictured) to use her private plane

National senator and Coalition for Transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie has also announced an in-depth audit to ensure she has flagged every flight upgrade, including contacting Qantas and Virgin bosses for confirmation.

She has promised to make any discrepancies known, “if there are any.”

“I think the public deserves us to be as comprehensive and accurate as possible so they can identify trust, interest and influence,” she told Sky.

“I think the only right thing I could have done would have been to actually get that while I was going through the paperwork.”