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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Business
Josh Butler

Cushy Qantas perks in Chairman’s Lounge book shine spotlight on travel habits of Albanese and others

Qantas Alan Joyce Peter Dutton Adam Bandt Anthony Albanese Joe Aston Virgin AFR Greens Labor
Qantas jet at Sydney International Airport
Almost all politicians across the parliament – including Anthony Albanese, Adam Bandt and Peter Dutton – have declared accepting Qantas chairman’s lounge and Virgin Beyond club memberships on their registers. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

The cosy relationships between politicians and big business are again under scrutiny, with allegations Anthony Albanese used his personal connections to former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to directly request free upgrades on international and domestic flights.

The claims, detailed in a new book from journalist Joe Aston, have drawn attention to the cushy perks enjoyed by nearly all politicians, including complimentary membership to the exclusive Qantas chairman’s lounge.

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