A senior member of the Coalition has asked Anthony Albanese to explain his relationship with Qantas after it emerged he had received dozens of free flight upgrades on personal flights with the airline and affiliated airlines.
Excerpts from a forthcoming book by Australian Financial Review Joe Aston, The Chairman’s Lounge, list at least 22 free upgrades on economy tickets, dating back to 2009, when he was transport minister under the Rudd government.
In April 2010, he and his son were also upgraded to Sydney to Rome from Emirates.
Although the classes of flights were not disclosed, Aston estimated the value of the gift at approximately $10,000.
The Prime Minister continued to receive free updates while in opposition between 2013 and 2019, with Aston stating that Mr Albanese would ‘contact Joyce directly regarding his personal travels’.
Although the upgrades were publicly announced by Mr Albanese, he is now facing calls to explain his relationship with Qantas.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said the actions failed the pub test, especially given Labour’s decision to reject Qatar’s push for more flights, which Mr Littleproud said has “brought more competition to this country” for a decade.
“I think the Prime Minister should just put it to bed somehow. Come out and tell what exactly happened.
A senior member of the Coalition has asked Anthony Albanese to explain his relationship with Qantas after it emerged he received dozens of free flight upgrades on personal flights with the airline and affiliated airlines.
Excerpts from a forthcoming book by the Australian Financial Review Joe Aston, The Chairman’s Lounge, list at least 22 free upgrades on economy tickets, dating back to 2009, when he was Transport Minister under the Rudd government (pictured, Mr Albanese with the then Qantas CEO Alan Joyce in 2023)
“And if he hasn’t declared his pecuniary interest, why not?
“And I think that’s a reasonable question, given the important decisions this administration has made around airfare and airlines in this country.”
He also accused Albanese of “hiding” after finishing a press conference in Samoa on Saturday, where he was attending the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
“I think it is important that the Prime Minister maintains the status of his office so that he can do that today. Don’t hide like yesterday,’ said Mr Littleproud.
Employment Relations Minister Murray Watt defended Mr Albanese and declined to comment further.
“What I can assure you… is that Labor has at all times put the national interest first when it comes to our decisions on aviation policy,” the old Sky News said.