Daily Telegraph readers react to senior public servants’ frequent Qantas flights and lounge access

Daily Telegraph readers have expressed outrage after it was revealed senior public servants took dozens of Qantas flights and enjoyed exclusive access to the airline’s Chairman’s Lounge.

Daily Telegraph readers have slammed senior public servants and politicians after revelations eight high-ranking staff from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet were frequent users of Qantas’ ultra exclusive Chairman’s Lounge.

More than 170 comments were posted beneath the original story, with readers voicing anger at what they described as a culture of privilege and entitlement inside the highest levels of government.

The backlash follows a Freedom of Information disclosure that showed eight senior PM & C officials – including outgoing Secretary Professor Glyn Davis and deputy secretaries Blair Exell, Martin Hehir, Graham Fletcher and Nadine Williams – had access to the invitation only Qantas lounge.

Many readers took aim at what they saw as double standards between politicians and the public.

“There is one rule for a politician, and another for the rest of us,” one reader wrote.

Eight senior bureaucrats with membership to the exclusive Qantas Chairman’s Lounge enjoyed almost 90 flights over a year. Picture: Supplied

“Some have their snouts in the trough, while the rest of us roll around in swill.”

Others questioned why public servants receiving taxpayer-funded flights needed access to such elite travel perks.

More than 170 comments were posted beneath the original story

“How big is this trough?” another reader said.

“How many snouts fit into it The same number as politicians and senior public servants, ever expanding and accommodating.”

Other Readers took direct aim at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“Albo is above the rules,” a reader said.

Padma Raman, executive director of the office for women, was gifted membership. Picture: Supplied

outgoing PM & C Secretary Professor Glyn Davis was gifted membership to the lounge. Picture: Supplied

“Otherwise he would renounce the free Chairman’s Lounge pass and platinum lifetime status.”

Collectively, they took 88 Qantas flights between February 2024 and February 2025, compared to just 21 on Virgin and three on Jetstar or Rex.

“Albo like a lot of politicians has unlocked his jaw and connected it to the gravy train,” another said.

“The difference is that he is meant to be our leader and set the best example.”

Another reader summed up the news by questioning the disconnect between political branding and reality.

“It’s an art getting the public to believe the socialist elites are actually the party of the working person,” a reader said.

Originally published as Daily Telegraph readers react to senior public servants’ frequent Qantas flights and lounge access