Albanese, Political Leaders Under the Spotlight for Free Flight Upgrades

The situation has come to light just two weeks after the prime minister’s decision to buy a $4.3 million home raised eyebrows.

A photo taken on June 26, 2024 shows the vertical stabiliser of a Qantas Boeing 737-800 aircraft painted in heritage livery (background C) seen past other Qantas planes parked at a terminal at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing pressure for receiving at least 22 free Qantas flight upgrades over the past decade while in the role as transport minister.

While serving as transport minister from 2009 to 2013, Albanese reportedly received upgrades from economy to business class on personal trips to Europe, Los Angeles, and Honolulu, all of which he declared in his official register of interests.