Jason Clare: Senior Labor figure reveals Qantas flight upgrade
A senior Labor minister has revealed he asked Qantas for a free flight upgrade while on a personal trip five years ago.
Education Minister Jason Clare admission on Sunday came after a week of intense political scrutiny on Labor and the Prime Minister, amid accusations of travel perks through dodgy dealings.
Mr Clare said he asked for the seat upgrade after having a melanoma cut out of his leg.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“That was a personal trip, and that was a situation where I had just got out of hospital,” he said on Sky News on Sunday.
“I had surgery on my leg and, yep, I asked for an upgrade and I was assisted by Qantas.”
Mr Clare said he remembered “picking up the phone and asking for a bit of assistance” but that he couldn’t remember all of the details.
He added that it was “probably” a member of Qantas’ government relations team.
“I don’t want to mislead you, but I definitely asked for that just to help me after the surgery,” Mr Clare said.
He was on his way to meet up with his family, who were already overseas at the time.
While he has previously declared the flight on his register of interests, Mr Clare had not revealed he had asked for an upgrade.
His comments come after a week of the focus on Anthony Albanese and other senior political figures’ relationships with Qantas after a new book revealed Mr Albanese had allegedly received 22 free flight upgrades after contacting former airline boss Alan Joyce.
Mr Albanese has denied ever contacting Mr Joyce and asking for a flight upgrade.
But the stoush has prompted Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to call for Mr Albanese to refer himself to the National Anti-Corruption Commission over the flights.
