Bob Katter lashes out at Qantas over ‘anti-Christian’ lounge music, says former CEO Alan Joyce is the ‘most hated man in Australia’

A federal MP has filed a written complaint against Qantas for its music choice ahead of Christmas Day.

Bob Katter has accused Qantas of being anti-Christian after claiming the national air carrier snubbed traditional Christmas carols inside of one of its prestigious business class lounges.

In a written complaint against the airline, the independent MP said he was angered to hear no holiday music with faith-based messages while sitting in a Qantas Club during a flight delay.

“I noticed that throughout the two hours I was there, they were playing ‘Xmas’ music,” Mr Katter said.

Bob Katter claims Qantas is ‘anti-Christian’ ahead of Christmas. Picture: James D. Morgan/Getty Images.

“Two hours of the most un-Christmassy music I’ve ever heard.

“Over 80 per cent of Australia’s population are generational Australians, and they were brought up on Christmas Carols.

“It would seem then, that Qantas is anti-Christian.”

However, a Qantas spokeswoman said the airline was doing a lot to celebrate Christmas and rejected Mr Katter’s claims.

She said the airline carrier was offering traditional Christmas food and beverages across in-flight and lounges as well as festive entertainment at selected airports, including roving Christmas performers, carollers and Santa appearances.

According to the most recent census data, there has been a steady decline in the number of Australians who identify as Christian, with overall numbers dropping from 74 per cent in 1991 to 44 per cent in 2021.

The same data found that while fewer people are identifying as Christian, the number of people claiming no religion has risen to 38 per cent in 2021, up from 30 per cent in 2016.

The MP claimed he was an early investor in Qantas. Picture: Martin Ollman/NCA NewsWire.

In his pre-Christmas rant, Mr Katter, who represents the division of Kennedy in Queensland – went on to lash former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.

Mr Joyce quit in early September after the airline came under the spotlight over allegations of illegal ticket sales and poor service.

“As time goes on, more and more Christians will, I hope, become aware of your spite,” he wrote.

“So whilst Alan Joyce (Australia’s most hated man?) may be gone, his ‘spirit’ clearly lives on.

“But one thing for sure – his spirit ‘ain’t’ “The Spirit of Australia”.

Four million passengers are expected to fly Qantas throughout the December and January holiday period.