Anthony Albanese’s relationship with Qantas is back in the spotlight after it was revealed his son Nathan and fiancee Jodie Haydon are “plus one” members of the exclusive Chairman’s Lounge.
However, the Prime Minister responded by claiming that his family is being attacked.
Shortly after winning the premiership in May 2022, Albanese asked then-Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce to appoint Nathan, 23, to the Chairman’s Lounge, an invitation-only benefit of the airline. according to a new book.
Albanese defended the deal saying his son became his “plus one” after his marriage to former Labor MP Carmel Tebbutt ended.
But that doesn’t explain why his partner, Mrs. Haydon, is also “a companion” for the Lounge.
It is also claimed in the book The Chairman’s Lounge, by former Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston, that Nathan’s membership in the Chairman’s Lounge was not listed on Mr Albanese’s register of interests, which records significant gifts to MPs.
Mr. Aston said to the Australian Financial Review It seemed Albanese was stretching the definition of “plus one” in his dealings with Qantas.
“Jodie Haydon is Anthony Albanese’s companion in the Chairman’s Lounge, and Nathan Albanese is not,” she said.
When asked by reporters on Sunday about club memberships, Albanese claimed that his family was being attacked and that everything he did was right.
Anthony Albanese’s relationship with Qantas is back in the spotlight after it was revealed his son Nathan and fiancee Jodie Haydon are “plus one” members of the exclusive Chairman’s Lounge.
Shortly after winning the premiership in May 2022, Albanese asked then-Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce to appoint Nathan, 23, to the Chairman’s Lounge, an invitation-only benefit of the airline. according to a new book.
“I think people’s families should not be targeted,” he said.
‘Everything has been declared, that is why it has been reported. It is appropriate that such statements occur.’
He denied receiving special treatment.
“People get extras, and if anyone knows anything about aviation, what they will know is that regularly, regularly, a variety of airlines will incorporate it,” Mr Albanese said.
In his book, Aston also claims Albanese personally approached Joyce for dozens of free flight upgrades from Qantas, including with an international partner on a trip to Rome.
Albanese said he had declared “all 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.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said Albanese’s actions failed the pub test, especially given Labor’s decision to reject Qatar’s push for more flights into Australia, putting them in competition with Qantas.
“I think the Prime Minister just has to put an end to this one way or another. Come out and reveal exactly what happened,” he said.
‘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.
‘I think it’s important for the Prime Minister to preserve the status of his office to go out and do it today. Don’t hide like you did yesterday.
Littleproud was referring to an abruptly ended press conference the Prime Minister gave in Samoa on Saturday, where he was attending the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
A new book accuses Albanese of directly approaching former Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce to obtain Chairman’s Club memberships for his son and free flight upgrades.
In his book, Mr. Aston lists At least 22 free economy class ticket upgrades for Albanese, 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”.
However, Mr Albanese’s actions were criticized by industry experts.
Consumer Champion’s Adam Glezer called Albanese’s actions “inappropriate” and said politicians and decision-makers should not be allowed to accept perks like access to the Chairman’s Lounge and free upgrades.
‘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.’
Industrial Relations Minister Murray Watt on Sunday 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.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Qantas for comment.
