Independents want lobbying reform as Albanese’s Qantas scandal rolls on
Some MPs are calling for a sweeping look at lobbying amid allegations Anthony Albanese accepted free Qantas upgrades while overseeing the airline as transport minister.
Independent MPs who campaigned on integrity issues at the election are seizing on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Qantas upgrade scandal to push for tougher lobbying reforms.
Albanese has faced criticism in response to claims in Joe Aston’s new book, The Chairman’s Lounge, that he personally lobbied Qantas CEO Alan Joyce for free upgrades, including on personal flights, while serving as transport minister and tasked with regulating the aviation sector.
Late on Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s office issued a statement which sought to rule out any phone calls made to Joyce requesting an upgrade, but remained silent on whether he contacted the Qantas CEO in another format such as a text message.
“The prime minister did not ever call Alan Joyce seeking an upgrade,” a spokesperson said.
