Anthony Albanese’s relationship with Qantas is back in the spotlight after it was revealed that his son Nathan and fiancée Jodie Haydon are both ‘plus one’ members of the exclusive Chairman’s Lounge.
However, the Prime Minister has hit back, claiming his family is being targeted.
Shortly after winning the premiership in May 2022, Mr Albanese asked then-Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to make Nathan, 23, a member of the Chairman’s Lounge, an invitation-only perk at the airline, a new report claims book.
Mr Albanese defended the arrangement, saying his son became his “plus one” after his marriage to former Labor MP Carmel Tebbutt ended.
But that doesn’t mean his partner, Ms Haydon, is also reportedly a ‘plus one’ for the Lounge.
Former Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston’s book The Chairman’s Lounge also claims Nathan’s Chairman’s Lounge membership was not listed on Mr Albanese’s register of interests, which records significant gifts to MPs.
Mr Aston told the Australian Financial Statement it appeared Mr Albanese was stretching the definition of ‘plus one’ in his dealings with Qantas.
“Jodie Haydon is Anthony Albanese’s plus-one in the Chairman’s Lounge, and Nathan Albanese is not,” he said.
When asked about the club membership by reporters on Sunday, Mr Albanese claimed his family was targeted and that everything he did was beyond expectations.
Anthony Albanese’s relationship with Qantas is back in the spotlight after it was revealed that his son Nathan and fiancée Jodie Haydon are both ‘plus one’ members of the exclusive Chairman’s Lounge
Shortly after winning the premiership in May 2022, Mr Albanese asked then-Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to make Nathan, 23, a member of Chairman’s Lounge, an invitation-only extra to the airline, a new book claims
“I don’t think people’s families should be targeted,” he said.
‘Everything has been declared and that is why it is being reported on. It is appropriate that these statements take place.”
He denied receiving special treatment.
“People are getting plusses, and if anyone knows anything about aviation, they’ll know that there’s going to be a series of airlines coming in on a regular, regular basis,” Albanese said.
In his book, Aston also claims Mr Albanese personally approached Mr Joyce to get dozens of free Qantas flight upgrades, including with an international partner on a trip to Rome.
Mr Albanese said he had declared “every flight upgrade” he had purchased himself.
‘From time to time, MPs receive upgrades. The important thing is that they are called out. Mine have all been called out. “I note that some of that goes back a long time,” he said.
“They have all been explained, and that is appropriate.”
While he said it was a personal “issue” whether politicians accepted airline benefits, he said his relationship with Mr Joyce was the same as the one he shared with former Virgin Australia boss John Borghetti.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said Mr Albanese’s actions failed the pub test, especially given Labour’s decision to reject Qatar’s push for more flights in Australia, putting them in competition with Qantas.
“I think the Prime Minister should just put it to bed somehow. Come out and explain what exactly happened,” he said.
“And if he hasn’t declared his pecuniary interest, why not?
A new book accuses Mr Albanese of directly approaching former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to get Chairman’s Club memberships for his son and free flight upgrades
“And I think that’s a reasonable question, given the important decisions this administration has made about airfares and airlines in this country.
“I think it is important that the Prime Minister maintains the status of his office so that he can do that today. Don’t hide like yesterday.’
Mr Littleproud was referring to an abruptly ended press conference the Prime Minister gave in Samoa on Saturday, where he was attending the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
In his book, Mr Aston sums up At least 22 free upgrades on economy tickets for Mr Albanese, dating back to 2009, when he was transport secretary under the Rudd government.
In April 2010, he and his son were also upgraded to Sydney to Rome from Emirates. Although the classes of flights were not disclosed, Aston estimated the value of the gift at approximately $10,000.
The Prime Minister continued to receive free upgrades while in opposition between 2013 and 2019, with Aston stating that Mr Albanese would “consult directly with Joyce regarding his personal travels”.
However, Mr Albanese’s actions were criticized by industry insiders.
Consumer Champion’s Adam Gleger said Albanese’s actions were “inappropriate” and that politicians and decision-makers should not accept perks such as access to the Chairman’s Lounge and free upgrades.
“How can decision makers receive such incredible benefits and make impartial decisions? “All you have to do is look at the lack of competition in this country and our pathetic consumer laws when it comes to aviation,” he said.
“I think the Prime Minister has a lot to answer for. I would like to know why he was entitled to receive the free upgrades without paying for them, while we mere mortals have to save up for years to enjoy a business class seat.”
Employment Relations Minister Murray Watt defended Mr Albanese on Sunday and declined to comment further.
“What I can assure you… is that Labor has at all times put the national interest first when it comes to our decisions on aviation policy,” he told Sky News.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Qantas for comment.
