Anthony Albanese has dHe defended revelations that he received dozens of for free. Qantas flight upgrades and claims he personally asked the airline’s former 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 to economy class tickets, dating back to 2009, when he was transport minister during the Rudd government.
In April 2010, he and his son also received an upgrade from Emirates to Sydney to Rome. While the classes of the flights were not disclosed, Aston estimated the value of the gift at about $10,000.
The Prime Minister continued to receive free updates while in opposition between 2013 and 2019, with Aston claiming Albanese would “communicate directly with Joyce about his personal travels”.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Albanese said he had declared “all the flight upgrades” he had acquired himself.
“From time to time members of parliament receive promotions, the important thing is that they are declared, all of mine have been declared, I note that some of them go back a long period of time,” he said.
‘They are all declared, which is what corresponds.’
While he said it was a personal “matter” whether politicians accepted airline profits, he said his relationship with Joyce was the same one he shared with former Virgin Australia boss John Borghetti.
However, Mr Albanese’s actions have been criticized by industry experts and the Coalition.
Anthony Albanese (pictured Sunday) received dozens of flight upgrades on personally funded economy flights dating back to 2010.
Consumer Champion Adam Glezer called Albanese’s actions “inappropriate” and said politicians and decision-makers should not be allowed to accept benefits such as access to the Chairman’s Lounge and free updates.
‘How can decision makers receive such incredible benefits and make unbiased 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’d love to know why you were entitled to complimentary upgrades without paying for them, when us mere mortals have to save for years to enjoy a business class seat.’
Nationals leader David Littleproud said Albanese’s actions did not pass the public test, especially given Labour’s decision to reject Qatar’s push for more flights which Littleproud said would drive “greater competition in this country”.
“I think the Prime Minister just has to put an end to this one way or another. Come out and reveal exactly what happened. And if he didn’t declare it about his pecuniary interest, why not?”
“And I think it’s a reasonable question considering the important decisions this government has made around airfares and airlines in this country.”
Aston claimed Albanese would personally contact former Qantas boss Alan Joyce to secure updates. Image: 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’s important for the Prime Minister to preserve the status of his office to go out and do it today. Not hiding like you did yesterday,” Mr Littleproud said.
Industrial Relations Minister Murray Watt defended Albanese and declined to comment further.
“What I can assure you… is that at all times, the Labor Party has had the national interest at the center of our attention when it comes to our decisions on aviation policy,” he told Sky News.