2 weeks Ago By Katina Curtis
Senior ministers are seeking to deflect scrutiny of the Prime Minister’s relationship with Qantas as Anthony Albanese comes under fire from revelations in a new book about generous flight upgrades and lounge membership. The Prime Minister said on Sunday he had stuck to the rules in declaring all upgrades received on Qantas flights over the years. A new book from journalist Joe Aston reveals he received at least 22 upgrades, including on flights to Europe and Hawaii, while transport minister, holding the same portfolio in the shadow cabinet, and as opposition leader.
The book cites Qantas insiders saying Mr Albanese would liaise directly with then-chief executive Alan Joyce about his personal travel. The Opposition has called on Mr Albanese to explain the perks and connections. Nationals frontbencher Barnaby Joyce said there was a difference between accepting an offered upgrade and soliciting one.
“I acknowledge 100 per cent that a lot of politicians get upgrades, me included. It’s whether you solicit it ..
. especially if you ring up Alan Joyce,” he said. “That’s an issue that Mr Albanese has to explain.
” But cabinet minister Murray Watt dismissed the claims on Monday as “rumours that have been put around, unsourced by a journalist” and said he wouldn’t dignify them. “I’ve seen the Opposition try to seize on this, and I guess they really want to consider whether they want to make this an issue. If you have a look at Peter Dutton’s behaviour, for example, several upgrades from Qantas and other airlines,” Mr Watt told ABC radio.
“He’s had free flights paid for by Gina Rinehart, who we know has influence over the Coalition and the policy direction it takes. I really would wonder whether it’s wise for the Opposition to start calling this kind of stuff into question. Senior Labor Minister Tanya Plibersek said it should have come as no surprise to anyone that ministers and shadow ministers travelled a lot.
“As the Prime Minister made clear the whole way through, in every instance, these benefits were declared. And I think that’s really important,” she told Seven’s Sunrise. “He had a good relationship with both airlines.
.. I think the Prime Minister explained himself perfectly well.
He’s done a press conference yesterday. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of other media commentary today. I’ll leave it to him.
”.
