Does the PM pass the pub test: Aussies unload on Anthony Albanese over Qantas perks
Anthony Albanese is facing backlash over claims he sought free Qantas flight upgrades directly from then-CEO Alan Joyce. Does it pass the pub test? Tell us what you think in our poll.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing backlash over claims he sought free Qantas flight upgrades directly from then-CEO Alan Joyce while serving as Transport Minister and Opposition Leader.
Some critics have branded him “Australia’s worst ever Prime Minister” and demanded his resignation.
And an online poll on The Daily Telegraph shows that 94 per cent of 4000 readers believe the PM has failed the pub test with his perks.
The Coalition quickly jumped on the revelations, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accusing the Prime Minister of reaching out to his “best friend Alan Joyce” for upgrades on domestic and international flights, including for personal travel.
Records indicate Mr Albanese has received at least two dozen upgrades and gifts from Qantas since 2010.
Social media erupted as hundreds of users responded to The Daily Telegraph’s coverage, many expressing disapproval.
“He has to go,” wrote one commenter, while another described Albanese as “not only Australia’s worst ever prime minister,” but also “its most accident-prone.”
“Time to go, Albo. Call election now please. We don’t need more of this Labor/Greens rubbish,” another user said.
There were also frustrations with other media outlets’ handling of the story.
“Imagine if this was Morrison. Wall to wall media 24/7 on it,” Wes commented.
“Is this being reported on their ABC?” another said.
Others made light of the news.
“Did he tell anyone he grew up in a housing commission flat? he’s certainly making up for lost time,” John said
“That’s not the ‘Spirit of Australia,’” Darren said.
Albanese’s perks from Qantas include a Lifetime Platinum Membership, and exclusive access for himself, his partner Jodie Haydon, and son Nathan to the elite Chairman’s Lounge.
As transport minister during the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd governments, Mr Albanese also received Qantas gifts like an iPad, upgrades for international flights, tickets to cricket matches, and a cookbook by celebrity chef Neil Perry.
Qantas further backed Albanese last year during the Voice to Parliament referendum, supporting Labor’s Yes campaign with over $350,000 in resources, flights, and branding of planes.
In August 2023, Albanese tweeted a photo with Joyce, captioned: “The Spirit of Australia says Yes.”
The Prime Minister, who often mentions his childhood in housing commission, has also faced scrutiny over purchasing a $4.3 million beach house on The Central Coast amid the national housing crisis.
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Originally published as Does the PM pass the pub test: Aussies unload on Anthony Albanese over Qantas perks
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