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Australia PM protects criticisms over Qantas flight upgrades

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday protected totally free flight upgrades he received from Qantas following claims he had liaised straight with the nationwide carrier's previous CEO to get him bumped approximately business class.

Albanese made several direct telephone call to former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce before becoming prime minister, and got his tickets updated on 22 flights in between 2009 and 2019, Australian media reported, citing excerpts in a new book by reporter Joe Aston.

Albanese, who was the federal transport minister from 2007 to 2013, minimized the claims, saying he had stated all flight upgrades he got.

I have actually been totally transparent about this. All of my flights have been stated in a proper method, Albanese informed press reporters.

In my time in public life, I have actually shown stability, I. have acted in such a way that is totally appropriate and I have. stated in accordance with the guidelines.

Albanese stated he held just main talks with Joyce, adding. some upgrades he received were spent for by the Labor celebration.

Australian political leaders getting free upgrades on flights is. not unusual though they are obliged to state such presents and numerous. are offered membership to high-end lounges.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said on Monday it would be a. unusual arrangement if Albanese, while managing the transportation. ministry, might directly contact Qantas looking for ticket upgrades.

I'm not knowledgeable about anybody else having actually done it, Dutton said. throughout a media rundown.

Qantas did not immediately react to a Reuters demand. looking for remarks. In 2015, the Albanese-led centre-left Labor government faced. accusations of favouring Qantas by blocking requests by Qatar. Airways to increase its flights to Australia.

The government said intrusive body searches of female. passengers, consisting of five Australian ladies, at Qatar's airport. in 2020 was an element, and Albanese informed parliament he got. no lobbying from Qantas.

The claims come as Albanese struggles with low citizen. approval scores amidst greater living costs and home loan rates. A Newspoll survey performed for The Australian paper this. month revealed Australia's opposition Liberal-National coalition. pulling ahead of the Labor government for the very first time considering that. the May 2022 election, while Albanese's ratings was up to the. least expensive levels.

(source: Reuters)