Australian PM Albanese accused of seeking upgrades from Qantas boss

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of asking for free personal flight upgrades directly from the former CEO of national carrier Qantas.

A new book by Australian journalist Joe Aston claims Albanese made several calls to ex-CEO Alan Joyce, and received upgrades on 22 flights taken between 2009 and 2019.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Albanese refused to answer whether he had previously spoken to Joyce about personal upgrades, but said he followed the rules and said he was “completely transparent” with all of his disclosures.

Albanese, who previously served as federal transport minister, also criticised Aston, saying he was “trying to sell a book”.

In his book, titled The Chairman’s Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out, Aston – a former opposition party staffer – cites Qantas insiders as saying Albanese would speak to Joyce about his personal travel plans, according to media reports.

It is not unheard of for Australian politicians to get free flight upgrades though they are required to declare such gifts, according to Reuters.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Albanese refused to answer whether he had personally spoken to Joyce about upgrades, but said he did recall having two conversations with Joyce about flights that did not involve personal travel. He also added that some upgrades were paid for by the Labor Party.

“In my time in public life, I have acted with integrity, I have acted in a way that is entirely appropriate and I have declared in accordance with the rules,” he said.

Australia’s shadow transport minister, Senator Senator Bridget McKenzie has called for an inquiry to opened to investigate the alleged flight upgrade requests.

“There are serious questions which only Mr Joyce and the Prime Minister can answer,” she said.

The allegation comes as Albanese struggles with low approval ratings and as Australians are mired in a housing crisis.

Last year, the Albanese government faced allegations it blocked Qatar Airways request to increase flights to Australia, a move that favoured Qantas.

Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, has in recent years seen its fair share of scandal.

Joyce was chief executive for 15 years and led the company through the 2008 global financial crisis, the Covid pandemic and record fuel prices.

However, by the time he stepped down in 2023, Qantas was facing growing public anger over high fares, mass delays and cancellations as well as its treatment of workers.