From Business-Class to Ballots: Will Albanese’s Qantas Upgrades Hurt Labor’s Image?

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 7, 2023. Martin Ollman/Getty Images

News Analysis

The Qantas upgrade saga has consumed the Labor government over the past week.

Reports indicate that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accepted 22 upgrades to business class from Qantas over his 30-year political career.

What was unusual was the alleged direct contact the prime minister personally had with Qantas staff and CEO Alan Joyce. Albanese was the transport minister at the time.

Public Admission and Apology Needed: Expert

Graham Young, executive director of the Australian Institute for Progress, said for the prime minister to minimise fallout he would have to publicly acknowledge his actions and apologise.

He said while these upgrades might adhere to the rules, they did not meet public scrutiny, a sentiment echoed by other experts who highlight the broader implications of the scandal.

“Neither do many other upgrades and perks that members get, not just him. But that doesn’t excuse him, just spreads the net of guilt,” he told The Epoch Times.

The value of these upgrades, particularly for overseas travel, could amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

Young compares this situation to accepting a gold bar instead of an upgrade, questioning the ethics surrounding public officials and the gifts they accept.

“There is no doubt that such valuable gifts will induce the recipient to look more favourably on the giver than they otherwise would. Whether the influence is declared or not, is immaterial,” Young added.

Only a Momentary Bump: Academic

Professor Paul Williams, associate professor of politics at Griffith University, believes the upgrade scandal may damage Albanese’s reputation among swing voters, but it is unlikely to have a bigger impact on his government.

However, factors like rising living costs, interest rates, and housing issues will remain tough hurdles for Albanese.

Williams also said these controversies can momentarily affect a politician’s standing, but they often fade as new issues emerge. Sometimes, the impact is only fully understood over time.

“[Former Prime Minister] Scott Morrison, amid allegations that he lied to French President Emmanuel Macron, initially claimed it was a storm in a teacup, but it proved to be much bigger,” he said, referring to the 2021 allegation that the French were not informed Australia would cancel their $90 billion submarine contract.

“It’s also been counterbalanced by the fact that, you know, revelations that the opposition sought flights from a billionaire,” Williams said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton requested free flights from Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, to attend a memorial service for the Bali bombings. Dutton said it did not cost the taxpayer.

Albanese Denies Upgrades

So far, Prime Minister Albanese has firmly denied allegations he directly sought flight upgrades from Qantas.

His office released a statement on Oct. 30, asserting he never called, texted, or emailed Joyce for an upgrade.

Reports also allege Albanese had a dedicated contact within Qantas to facilitate upgrades.