The cosy relationships between politicians and big business are again under scrutiny, with allegations Anthony Albanese used his personal connections to former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to directly request free upgrades on international and domestic flights . The claims, detailed in a new book from journalist Joe Aston, have drawn attention to the cushy perks enjoyed by nearly all politicians, including complimentary membership to the exclusive Qantas chairman’s lounge. Peter Dutton called the revelations “strange”.
But disclosure forms show the vast majority of politicians from all sides, as well as public servants leading the most powerful government departments, have accepted money-can’t-buy memberships to the luxury Qantas airport lounges – reportedly once described by Joyce as “the most exclusive club in the country”. What are the Qantas-Albanese claims? The Albanese revelations surfaced in The Chairman’s Lounge, a book by former Australian Financial Review columnist Aston. It states Albanese’s parliamentary register of interests declared upgrades on about 20 Qantas flights between 2009 and 2019, while he occupied various positions including transport minister, shadow transport minister and opposition leader.
Some flights were declared as “personally funded” or to destinations including Rome, London, Los Angeles and Honolulu. “According to Qantas insiders, Albanese would liaise with Joyce directly about his personal travel,” Aston reported. Albanese.