Australia’s PM flies into storm of controversy over free Qantas flight upgrades

A new book reveals Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s cosy ties to Australia’s flag carrier, raising questions about conflicts of interest

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Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the opening ceremony of a Commonwealth summit in Samoa on Friday. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:08am, 28 Oct 2024

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under pressure to explain his relationship with Qantas Airways Ltd. after allegations he received a raft of free upgrades from the airline and liaised directly about his flights with ex-boss Alan Joyce.

In his past parliamentary portfolios as transport minister and opposition transport spokesman, and sometimes on private trips, Albanese accepted gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars from Qantas, according to a new book by former Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston.

In some cases, Albanese didn’t specify whether he was upgraded to first or business class, making it impossible to determine the precise value of the benefit, Aston wrote.

Aston cited Qantas insiders as saying Albanese would communicate about his personal travel directly with Joyce, the former Qantas chief executive officer who stepped down prematurely last year after a series of corporate missteps. Aston’s book, The Chairman’s Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out, was released on Monday.

A Qantas plane takes off from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney. Photo: Reuters

Responding to the allegations, Albanese said: “From time to time, members of parliament receive upgrades. What’s important is that they are declared. All of mine have been declared.”