Independent MPs Say They Will Relinquish Qantas Perks Amid Upgrade Scandal

Independent “teal” MPs Allegra Spender and Helen Haines have announced their decision to relinquish their access to Qantas’ exclusive Chairman’s Lounge in response to the growing flight upgrade scandal.
The issue came under scrutiny after reports indicated that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accepted 22 upgrades to business class from Qantas over his 30-year political career.
Following this, additional reports claimed that more than 90 percent of politicians hold memberships to Qantas’ exclusive lounge.
Spender announced her decision to revoke her access to both Qantas and Virgin lounges and urged fellow politicians to follow suit.
“Special treatment of politicians by Qantas and Virgin has undermined public trust in government and effective competition in the aviation industry,” she said on X on Nov. 4.
She expressed disappointment that both major political parties have failed to enhance competition and reduce fares for Australian travellers.
“What we have now is a perception and potential conflict of interest that’s identified significant lobbying of parliamentarians by Qantas. In my mind, I want to remove any doubt from the general public that I am subject to that,” she told Sky News Australia.
She added that any gift accepted by politicians should be fully transparent and subject to scrutiny.
In a statement on Oct. 30, the prime minister’s office said Albanese had “never called Joyce seeking an upgrade,” in response to reports questioning his integrity regarding potential private benefits from Qantas.
While the upgrades may be within rules, they fail to meet public standards, he noted.
“Neither do many other upgrades and perks that members get, not just him. But that doesn’t excuse him; it just spreads the net of guilt,” Young told The Epoch Times.
Professor Paul Williams from Griffith University suggested the scandal could harm Albanese’s image among swing voters, though it may not significantly impact his government.
He pointed out that while such controversies can temporarily dent a politician’s standing, they often fade as other issues take priority.
The lasting effects, if any, may only surface over time, especially as the government faces ongoing pressures like rising living costs, interest rates, and housing challenges.