Anthony Albanese under fire for Qantas perks as critics and Daily Telegraph poll say he fails pub test

The PM faces mounting criticism over claims of seeking Qantas upgrades, and dodging questions about it, as Aussies vent about the freebies. Vote in our poll, has he adequately answered questions on the issue?

An overwhelming number of Daily Telegraph readers believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has failed the pub test, after facing backlash over claims he sought free Qantas flight upgrades directly from former CEO Alan Joyce.

The controversy, surrounding his time serving as Transport Minister and Opposition Leader, has sparked widespread criticism, with some branding him “Australia’s worst ever Prime Minister” and calling for his resignation.

An online poll conducted by The Daily Telegraph, shows 95 per cent of more than 10,000 respondents believe the PM has failed the pub test with his perks.

“This entitled person needs to go and retire. I personally cannot wait to see the back of him,” David said.

“Albo, any chance you can ask for a one-way ticket out of Aussie?” Gary commented.

Alan Joyce, Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon share a joke at the Qantas 100th Gala Dinner in 2023. Picture: James D. Morgan/Getty Images

“Upgrade Albanese completely finished, lacks all credibility now. He has to go,” another user said.

The Prime Minister sidestepped several key questions, including whether he personally reached out to Mr Joyce or anyone at Qantas to request upgrades and if he was aware that seven of his Ministers had also received upgrades.

Amid the uproar, several Labor ministers have leapt to the Prime Minister’s defence, including those who themselves received Qantas upgrades in the months after the Albanese Government blocked a rival airline from expanding in Australia.

Recent MP declarations reveal that seven Labor Ministers and Assistant Ministers—Mark Butler, Bill Shorten, Mark Dreyfus, Anika Wells, Pat Conroy, Matt Keogh, and Andrew Giles—were recipients of complimentary Qantas upgrades, including for international flights.

Alan Joyce and Anthony Albanese. Supplied by Perth Airport

Health Minister Mark Butler defended the upgrades, stating he had declared them in accordance with parliamentary rules.

“I have declared all of the upgrades,” he said on Sunrise.

“I think I have received four over the last 10 years, and they have been declared in accordance with the rules. When I checked my records, I found a flight from Melbourne to Adelaide on a weekend. They have been all recorded in a long-established system.”

Mark Butler defended the Prime Minister. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Butler also defended the Prime Minister, arguing Mr Albanese had done nothing wrong and has “answered all questions” regarding the issue.

“He’s answered these questions very clearly… I am not sure what the allegation is that Peter Dutton has made beyond slinging mud, but the Prime Minister has complied with all of the rules,” Butler added.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil also stood by Mr Albanese, stating that he “diligently and fastidiously” followed parliamentary rules.

“He’s actually incredibly transparent with his personal affairs, which sets him apart,” she said on Sunrise.

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil also leapt to the defence of Albanese. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“This whole matter is a significant beat-up. The Prime Minister is being criticised for behaviour that is common across parliament.”

Ms O’Neil also pointed out that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has himself accepted free upgrades, including flights gifted by Gina Rinehart.

Senator Jane Hume lashed out at Albanese. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

However, Finance Minister Jane Hume challenged the PM’s defence, claiming that Albanese “breached his own Ministerial Code of Conduct” and was “dancing around the issue” at his press conference.

“This is a clear breach of a Ministerial Code of Conduct,” she said on Sunrise.

“Quite frankly, if this were you, Clare, Albanese would have kicked you out on your arse to get rid of this distraction.”

This follows comments from the author of a book exposing Qantas perks enjoyed by the Prime Minister, who claims Anthony Albanese is “trying to shoot the messenger” in defending himself against the accusations.

Albanese took aim at Joe Aston’s past connections with Qantas and the Liberal Party, asserting that all benefits had been properly disclosed.

“It was classic shoot-the-messenger tactics, wasn’t it?” Aston told 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Wednesday morning.

“I was pretty staggered that he’d suggest I hid my work history with Qantas or that nearly 20 years ago I was a Liberal staffer.

“It’s right on the first page of the book.”

Opposition Senate Leader Simon Birmingham also urged the PM to clarify whether he acted “on behalf of Qantas” during the recent decision to limit Qatar Airways flights into Australia.

“Here’s a question Anthony Albanese should answer today – did he or his office ever engage with the Transport Minister or her office regarding the Qatar flights decision?” Senator Birmingham said on Sky News.

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Originally published as Anthony Albanese under fire for Qantas perks as critics and Daily Telegraph poll say he fails pub test