Disappointing, frustrating Canberra crisis bad business, says Qantas boss

Qantas would continue to speak out about controversial issues under a conservative Dutton government, Alan Joyce says.

Events in Canberra as Malcolm Turnbull loses his grip on the leadership aren’t helpful for business certainty, Qantas head Alan Joyce says Picture: Sean Davy/AFP

Current events in Canberra are “disappointing and frustrating” and Qantas would continue to speak out about controversial issues under a more conservative Peter Dutton-led government, Alan Joyce says.

“Business likes certainty, it likes confidence in what’s going to happen in the future and I think anything that generates uncertainty which is what we’re seeing in Canberra is not helpful,” Mr Joyce said as Qantas unveiled its full year financial results revealing an annual net profit rise of 15 per cent.

He said Qantas would be keen to see the company tax reforms revisited in the future, to make the corporate tax structure “more competitive”.

“We need a competitive tax structure to make sure this economy continues to outperform, continues to produce jobs and produce confidence,” said Mr Joyce.

“Similarly in energy policy, we need certainty on that. People have to make investments, to know where the energy policy is.

“We are in a good position in the economy today, and to maintain that I think these issues need to be resolved and resolved as soon as possible.”

Although he would not be drawn on his opinion of Mr Dutton, Mr Joyce said Qantas would always speak out on issues such as gender equality, marriage equality and indigenous rights.

“Nothing’s going to change our position of being outspoken on issues that are important to our customers, our employees and our shareholders and that will continue,” he said.