Opinion: Albo’s relationship with Qantas fails the pub test

Qantas’ CEO insists he gets no political favours from the Prime Minister, but perception doesn’t help, writes Mike O’Connor.

Politicians love to go on about the pub test, because it makes them sound as if they actually spend time in pubs having a few with the locals and getting a feel for what real people who actually work for a living are thinking and saying.

In reality, they don’t go anywhere near a pub unless there’s an election looming and their media hacks have set up what is hilariously titled as a “photo opportunity”, and most would be hard pressed to tell you the price of a schooner.

This doesn’t stop them, when wishing to decry their opponent’s actions, from pointing the finger of self-righteous scorn and declaring that they “don’t pass the pub test”.

If you’re reading this in a pub – and sadly I’m not writing it in one – then try this one out on your companions.

It was reported last week that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s son Nathan has been granted membership of aviation’s holy of the holies, the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge.

You and I might on occasion sell off one of the children and thus afford access to the business-class lounge, but I am told that the Chairman’s Lounge is another kettle of fish – or more appropriately, bucket of caviar – altogether.

Membership is overseen by Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and handed out to those judged to be worthy of such indulgence, but how does the Prime Minister’s son qualify?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with son Nathan Albanese

Pub test judges might also wonder, while considering why the federal government has just refused a request by Qatar Airways for an additional 21 flights to Australia.

This would have doubled Qatar’s capacity to carry Australian passengers, with tourism industry leaders saying it would help to lower the price of international airfares, which have become unaffordable for many Australians post-Covid-19.

Qantas wrote to the government opposing the Qatar application.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King gave no coherent reason for refusing to open up the international market, saying in London, “I want more capacity for people to be able to enjoy travel, but equally I want to be able to decarbonise the transport sector.”

Restrict competition in the name of decarbonising the aviation industry while allowing Qantas much more latitude? We can only hope she was suffering from jet lag.

Turkish Airlines would like to start flying to and from Australia, beginning with a service from Melbourne to Istanbul.

This was announced with some fanfare, but since then an ominous silence has reigned, with chairman Ahmet Bolat only saying there were “legal issues” which had to be resolved. Minister King said she would “review” the Turkish request.

No free beer for guessing that Qantas will oppose the request.

Federal Opposition tourism spokesman Kevin Hogan has called on the minister to reveal the reasons for blocking the Qatar request.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) with Qantas CEO Alan Joyce at the Qantas 100th gala dinner in March

“Qatar’s proposal had the support of the NSW and Victorian governments, our airports, travel agents and tourism bodies,” he said.

So far, Minister King has refused to do so.

Qantas, together with Virgin Australia, has also been accused of “slot hoarding”, with Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert saying the airlines were maintaining more slots than they needed with the aim of keeping competitors out.

He called for the airlines to give up some of their slots to improve competition.

To absolutely no one’s surprise, they refused.

Appearing before a federal parliamentary standing committee looking at competition in commercial aviation last week Peter Harris, a former chair of the Productivity Commission, said there was evidence to suggest the airlines were slot hoarding.

Mr Joyce, however, has been quick to deny that Qantas gets preferred treatment from the federal government.

He has said that while he is “good mates with Albo”, he does not get political favours.

If you were hoping to run into a pollie or three at the pub next Wednesday night, then I’m afraid you’re out of luck.

Members of the House of Representatives and senators – or at least those who accepted the invitation – will be in Canberra enjoying free drinks and food prepared by celebrity chef Neil Perry in the Parliament House private member’s dining room, and guess who’s picking up the tab? None other than Albo’s old mate Alan Joyce.

Pub test, anyone?