Independent MPs Say They Will Relinquish Qantas Perks Amid Upgrade Scandal

Ministers claim special treatment of politicians by Qantas and Virgin has undermined public trust in government.

Federal Independent candidate for Wentworth Allegra Spender speaks to the media during a press conference following the Fuel Security Summit in Sydney, Australia, on April 21, 2022. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Independent “teal” MPs Allegra Spender and Helen Haines have announced their decision to relinquish their access to Qantas’ exclusive Chairman’s Lounge in response to the growing flight upgrade scandal.

The issue came under scrutiny after reports indicated that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accepted 22 upgrades to business class from Qantas over his 30-year political career.

Following this, additional reports claimed that more than 90 percent of politicians hold memberships to Qantas’ exclusive lounge.

Spender announced her decision to revoke her access to both Qantas and Virgin lounges and urged fellow politicians to follow suit.

“Special treatment of politicians by Qantas and Virgin has undermined public trust in government and effective competition in the aviation industry,” she said on X on Nov. 4.

She expressed disappointment that both major political parties have failed to enhance competition and reduce fares for Australian travellers.

“Both the Labor and the Liberal parties have blocked greater competition by Qatar Airways. I will be writing to Qantas and Virgin asking them not to give free upgrades to any MPs or Senators. I am also cancelling my Qantas and Virgin VIP Lounge memberships, which I was given when I entered parliament,” Spender said.

Potential Conflicts of Interest in Spotlight

Haines echoed the sentiment, noting a perceived conflict of interest in parliamentarians’ relationships with Qantas.

“What we have now is a perception and potential conflict of interest that’s identified significant lobbying of parliamentarians by Qantas. In my mind, I want to remove any doubt from the general public that I am subject to that,” she told Sky News Australia.

She added that any gift accepted by politicians should be fully transparent and subject to scrutiny.

“And if scrutiny raises the question that it may be influencing decisions about companies that are being regulated by laws made in this place, then I think it makes sense to me to withdraw from that.”

Albanese Denies Allegations 

In the wake of mounting scrutiny and opposition accusations, Prime Minister Albanese has denied claims of soliciting upgraded flights from former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.

In a statement on Oct. 30, the prime minister’s office said Albanese had “never called Joyce seeking an upgrade,” in response to reports questioning his integrity regarding potential private benefits from Qantas.

However, while addressing the allegations, the statement did not clarify whether his denial encompassed other forms of communication, such as texts or emails.

Experts Call for Accountability 

Graham Young, executive director of the Australian Institute for Progress, said the prime minister should publicly acknowledge his actions and apologise to limit the fallout.

While the upgrades may be within rules, they fail to meet public standards, he noted.

“Neither do many other upgrades and perks that members get, not just him. But that doesn’t excuse him; it just spreads the net of guilt,” Young told The Epoch Times.

Professor Paul Williams from Griffith University suggested the scandal could harm Albanese’s image among swing voters, though it may not significantly impact his government.

He pointed out that while such controversies can temporarily dent a politician’s standing, they often fade as other issues take priority.

The lasting effects, if any, may only surface over time, especially as the government faces ongoing pressures like rising living costs, interest rates, and housing challenges.