A majority of Australians think politicians should not accept lurks and perks of office including free concert and sporting event tickets, flight upgrades and VIP airline lounge access.
Those are the results of the latest Guardian Essential poll of 1,131 voters, which could spell trouble for Anthony Albanese, given scrutiny on his receipt of gifts including Taylor Swift concert tickets and Qantas flight upgrades, which were properly declared.
Respondents to the poll were told that “many Australian politicians get access to many special events and benefits” and asked if they should accept or reject the perks.
A majority disapproved of politicians attending major concerts (63% to 23%), receiving complimentary flight upgrades (61% to 26%), attending major sporting events such as the Melbourne Cup and grand finals (59% to 27%) and accessing VIP airline lounges (58% to 28%).
About one in seven respondents (14%) were “unsure” whether politicians should accept these.
Labor voters were slightly more likely to back gifts for politicians, with about a third (32%) supporting taking flight upgrades compared with 27% of Coalition supporters.
Supporters of independents and minor parties were particularly opposed, with just 18% agreeing politicians should take flight upgrades.
Parliamentarians of all political stripes receive free tickets, and the Qantas controversy also sent the Coalition’s transport spokesperson, Bridget McKenzie, rushing to review her own disclosures on flight upgrades.
But the issue of flights has caused most trouble for the prime minister, given it took six days for him to deny the allegation in Joe Aston’s book that he had personally contacted the former Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce for upgrades.
On Monday the independent MP Allegra Spender called to “end the upgrades”, revealing she had written to Qantas and Virgin asking them “not to give free upgrades to any MPs or senators” and calling on parliamentarians not to accept them.
“Special treatment of politicians by Qantas and Virgin has undermined public trust in government and effective competition in the aviation industry,” she said.
“All sides of politics enjoy the perks and both major parties have failed to bring increased competition and lower fares to Australian travellers.
“Both the Labor and the Liberal parties have blocked greater competition by Qatar Airways.”
Spender revealed she is cancelling her Qantas and Virgin VIP lounge memberships, joining a select few who say no to the perk. In October Guardian Australia revealed that at least 90% of federal politicians have declared taking up invitations to join the exclusive Qantas Chairman’s Lounge and dozens also received flight upgrades, expensive gifts or hospitality from the national carrier.
While most Australians oppose politicians attending the Melbourne Cup, respondents reported their own interest in the event has recovered despite long-term decline.
Some 16% of respondents reported a “high interest” in the race that stops a nation, up five points since October 2023, and 30% reported a “moderate interest”, up six. A majority reported low (26%) or no (26%) interest.
About half (48%) said the event “promotes unhealthy gambling behaviour” while 36% said it “normalises animal cruelty”.
Nevertheless, a majority (68%) of respondents said the Melbourne Cup was a “unique” part of Australia’s national identity.
