Anthony Albanese has ddefended revelations he received dozens of for free Qantas flight upgrades, and claims he personally asked former airline boss Alan Joyce for the benefits.
Excerpts from a forthcoming book by former Australian Financial Review columnist 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 upgrades while in opposition between 2013 and 2019, with Aston stating that Mr Albanese would “consult directly with Joyce regarding his personal travels”.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Mr Albanese said he had declared “every flight upgrade” he had purchased himself.
‘From time to time, MPs receive upgrades. The important thing is that they are called out. Mine have all been called out. “I note that some of that goes back a long time,” he said.
“They have all been explained, and that is appropriate.”
While he said it was a personal “issue” whether politicians accepted airline benefits, he said his relationship with Mr Joyce was the same as the one he shared with former Virgin Australia boss John Borghetti.
However, Mr Albanese’s actions have been criticized by industry and coalition insiders.
Anthony Albanese (pictured on Sunday) received dozens of flight upgrades on personally financed economy flights from 2010
Consumer Champion Adam Greader said Mr Albanese’s actions were “inappropriate”, and that politicians and decision-makers should not accept perks such as access to the Chairman’s Lounge and free upgrades.
“How can decision makers receive such incredible benefits and make impartial decisions? “All you have to do is look at the lack of competition in this country and our pathetic consumer laws when it comes to aviation,” he said.
“I think the Prime Minister has a lot to answer for. I would like to know why he was entitled to receive the free upgrades without paying for them, while we mere mortals have to save up for years to enjoy a business class seat.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud said Albanese’s actions failed the pub test, especially given Labour’s decision to reject Qatar’s push for more flights, which Mr Littleproud said would create ‘more competition in this country’ cause.
“I think the Prime Minister should just put it to bed somehow. Come out and tell what exactly happened. And if he didn’t declare it on 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.”
Aston claimed Albanese would liaise personally with former Qantas boss Alan Joyce to secure the upgrades. Photo: NewsWire/Gaye Gerard
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,” he told Sky News.