Australian PM Albanese accused of directly requesting personal flight upgrades from Qantas ex-CEO, raising questions about integrity.
In a new book, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of directly requesting personal flight upgrades from the former CEO of the national carrier, Qantas.
The allegations have sparked calls for an investigation into the matter.
According to journalist Joe Aston’s book, “The Chairman’s Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out,” Albanese allegedly made several calls to ex-CEO Alan Joyce and received upgrades on 22 flights taken between 2009 and 2019, when Albanese was a federal transport minister.
When questioned about the accusations, Albanese refused to confirm or deny whether he had spoken with Joyce about personal upgrades but said he had followed all the rules and was “completely transparent” with his disclosures.
He also criticized the author, saying he was “trying to sell a book.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged having two conversations with Joyce about flights but claimed they did not involve his personal travel.
He also stated that some upgrades were paid for by the Labor Party.
While it is not uncommon for Australian politicians to receive free flight upgrades, they are required to declare such gifts.
The shadow transport minister, Senator Bridget McKenzie, has called for an inquiry to investigate the allegations, stating that there are “serious questions” that only Albanese and Joyce can answer.
The controversy comes as Albanese struggles with low approval ratings and as the country grapples with a housing crisis.
Last year, the Albanese government also faced allegations that it blocked Qatar Airways’ request to increase flights to Australia, a move that was seen as favoring Qantas.
The alleged flight upgrade requests add to the ongoing public scrutiny and criticism facing Qantas, which has been embroiled in its own set of scandals in recent years, including high fares, mass delays and cancellations, and the treatment of its workers.
As the investigation into the matter continues, the Prime Minister’s integrity and the transparency of his dealings with the national carrier will likely remain a topic of intense public discourse.