Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says former coalition government should have designed JobKeeper better

The former coalition government should have designed JobKeeper better to ensure taxpayers were better protected, the prime minister said.

As flights grounded and staff cut during Covid-19, Qantas got nearly $900 million in JobKeeper payments; and an additional $1.6 billion in other government aid payments.

Last month, Qantas indicated it had no intention of repaying the $2.7 billion in taxpayer-funded payments it received during the pandemic, and the government has said the national carrier has no obligation to do so.

But after the flag carrier posted a massive $2.5 billion profit — and amid revelations that executives were receiving stock bonuses worth up to $10 million — questions arise over whether Qantas should return the money.

Anthony Albanese said the program has helped millions of people stay afloat during the pandemic, but that the program should have been better designed in the first place.

“When the (former) government designed the JobKeeper program, it should have made sure that there was some provision to ensure that taxpayers’ interests were protected,” he said on Saturday.

“Obviously, as we said at the time, the former government should have made a provision.

“I would like every company, when they can, to pay JobKeeper back. JobKeeper was a good thing – we supported it – but we said at the time that the problem of billions of dollars going to companies that actually increased their revenue at the time that has not yet been reimbursed.”

And while he doesn’t care if Qantas boss Alan Joyce should return his plum bonuses, Albanese said people should “make their own judgment” about what should happen.

Mr Albanese would not be interested in whether Qantas boss Alan Joyce (pictured) should return his plum bonuses. People would “make their own judgment” about what should happen, he said

Due to unfortunate timing, Mr Joyce and Qantas executives were forced to report the details of their share packages to the ASX on Friday; revealing the outgoing CEO received 1.74 million shares worth just over $10 million as part of his bonuses for 2020, 2021 and 2022; as well as a separate internal incentive program.

When Mr. Joyce steps down in November, he is estimated to receive a $24 million golden handshake.

It caps off a grueling week for the flag carrier, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleging that Qantas falsely advertised sales on 8,000 flights weeks after they were cancelled.

The consumer watchdog wants to fine Qantas more than 250 million dollars.

Earlier this week, Mr Joyce was the subject of intense scrutiny during a Senate inquiry into Qantas’ relationship with the government after it was revealed that Transport Secretary Catherine King had rejected Qatar Airways’ request to cut the number of flights to Australia. doubling was rejected.

The extra flights were supported by the industry but opposed by Qantas.