‘Completely transparent’: PM defends Qantas upgrades

[Pelican Press 0]

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‘Completely transparent’: PM defends Qantas upgrades

Anthony Albanese has defended his relationship with former Qantas boss Alan Joyce after revelations of multiple flight upgrades, saying he had been transparent about the process.

Reports have emerged in a new book Mr Albanese received 22 upgrades from economy from Qantas and he would liaise personally with the former airline boss for them.

The prime minister says all of the flights had been listed in accordance with rules for federal MPs.

“I’ve been completely transparent about this. All of my flights have been declared in an appropriate way,” he told reporters in Newcastle on Tuesday.

“What you need to do is make sure you stick to the rules. I’ve done that at all times.”

Mr Albanese said 10 of the 22 flights were made during a leadership contest for the Labor Party in 2013.

The prime minister also went on the *******, saying coalition MPs had received more upgrades from Qantas for flights, while accusing Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of concocting the criticism.

“Peter Dutton seems to be obsessed with making attacks on myself, my family, and to try and engage in this obsession,” he said.

“Peter Dutton seems to be determined to just be arrogant and ****** every day. That’s up to him, but I’ll continue to do my job.”

Mr Albanese challenged the opposition leader to explain flights Mr Dutton received from mining billionaire Gina Rinehart.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie said voters had a right to be “furious” over the travel upgrades, calling for Mr Joyce to be called before a Senate inquiry.

“I don’t know of another transport minister who had a hotline to the CEO of Qantas to request freebies for family holidays. That’s what we’re dealing with here,” she told Nine’s Today program.

“It’s a serious job being transport minister, and it was seen to be soliciting freebies.”

Workplace Minister Murray Watt said the prime minister had complied with all of the rules for parliamentarians.

“If anyone looks at Anthony Albanese’s record, he hasn’t been delivering favours to Qantas. He has consistently taken on Qantas over a range of issues,” he told AAP.

“The suggestion that his relationship with Qantas or its former CEO has influenced his decision making is completely at odds with the actions that he’s taken.”

Independent senator David Pocock said the revelations about travel arrangements highlighted the need for change for political entitlements.

“There are very legitimate questions to be answered. There is a terrible, terrible look,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“But I think this has to be part of the broader conversation around just how shocking and basically useless our lobbying laws are in this country.”

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