CEO Alan Joyce cracks down on Qantas Chairman’s Lounge membership

Days after it was revealed Anthony Albanese’s son had access to the exclusive Qantas Chairman’s Lounge, airline boss Alan Joyce has moved to ensure its only members are big-spending high flyers.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce has reviewed the criteria for membership of the invitation-only Chairman’s Lounge to ensure members are spending money with the airline.

Ethics experts say that places the nation’s politicians in a moral dilemma when they accept the black card that gives them entry to the six discreet wood-panelled lounges in Australia’s domestic airports.

Once inside, they enjoy an open bar with top-shelf spirits, unlimited French Perrier Jouet champagne, massages and a chef to cook a la carte steaks.

Email correspondence between a Chairman’s Lounge member and a Qantas regional manager seen by The Daily Telegraph has revealed the crackdown on freeloaders.

“Recently, our chief executive officer, Alan Joyce, and his executive team reviewed the membership listing for Chairman’s Lounge and the criteria required to be an ongoing member,” the manager wrote.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce during a senate hearing. Picture NCA NewsWire

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s son Nathan Albanese. Picture: Getty

The distinctive wood-panelled entry to Qantas Chairman’s Lounge. Picture: Lucas Muro

How Daily Telegraph cartoonist Warren Brown sees it.

“New criteria now require the member to be linked to organisations to have a commercial airfares agreement with Qantas and agreed on revenue and market share targets.”

Ethics Centre director Simon Longstaff said the reward of membership for big-spending executives placed a question mark over what was required of politicians who are handed a free pass as soon as they are elected.

“The public worries that politicians are being given something for what they might be expected to do,” he said.

Politicians enjoy a rare level of attention and luxury in the Chairman’s Lounge.

On arrival, they are greeted by name and personally fetched during the final call for their flight and handed their boarding pass.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared his membership of the lounge, but faced criticism for not disclosing his 23-year-old son Nathan also has access.

Under parliamentary rules Mr Albanese does not need to declare non-dependent family members.

Mr Joyce refused to comment when grilled on the identity of other politicians’ family who are lounge members at a senate inquiry this week and refused to discuss the criteria for selection.

At the inquiry, Opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie thanked Qantas for her membership but said it should not influence her work.

Like many corporate customers, News Corp Australia is offered places in the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge.