The furore over claims that Anthony Albanese personally requested free flight upgrades from former Qantas boss Alan Joyce, which he has denied, has turned to the Coalition.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton confirmed his office contacted mining billionaire Gina Rinehart to provide her with a private jet to fly from regional Queensland to Sydney, contradicting an earlier response.
On Tuesday, the opposition leader told reporters that neither he nor his office had approached Ms Rinehart about a private flight taken in November 2022, but stepped back from his response two days later.
Dutton said he was traveling to Rockhampton at the time and needed to travel to Sydney for a memorial ceremony in Bali and was unable to get a commercial flight, which would then be needed to take him to Mackay.
‘We asked the government for an RAAF flight, they played around and didn’t offer that flight, and at the time I think we had a charter estimate, which was about $40,000 to fly from Rockhampton to Sydney and then back to Mackay.’ said.
“I thought it was very expensive and the cheapest option for the taxpayer was for my office to speak to Ms. Rinehart’s office to ask if the plane might be available.”
He bid farewell to Mr Albanese saying: “That was at no cost to the taxpayer.”
Peter Dutton has confirmed that his office requested a private jet from Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart (pictured together).
Peter Dutton attacked the Prime Minister saying his flight came at no cost to the taxpayer because Ms Rinehart paid for it.
“I don’t think the Prime Minister would make such a clear statement, but that’s what happened.”
Asked if he saw “a problem” with him accepting a private jet flight from the billionaire, he said: “No, I can’t.” I’m sorry’.
However, while the flight Ms Rinehart paid for may not have come at any cost to the taxpayer, questions have been raised about politicians calling for benefits and the leverage that could give those providing them.
Dutton said he didn’t think there was “any problem” with him asking Rinehart (pictured) to use his private jet.
National Senator and Transport Coalition spokesperson Bridget McKenzie also announced an in-depth audit to ensure she had declared every flight upgrade, including contacting Qantas and Virgin bosses for confirmation.
He promised to declare any discrepancies, “if there is any.”
“I think the public deserves us to be as complete and accurate as possible so they can determine trust, interest and influence,” he told Sky.
“I think the only appropriate thing I could have done was get it because as I go through the records.”