‘A bit strange’: Dutton weighs in amid claims Anthony Albanese personally asked for Qantas perks

Peter Dutton says it’s “a bit strange” that Anthony Albanese would reportedly directly contact the former Qantas chief for flight upgrades, after it was revealed the Treasurer also received an upgrade.

In his new book, “The Chairman’s Lounge”, journalist Joe Aston reveals the Prime Minister received at least 22 upgrades, including on flights to Europe and Hawaii, during his time as transport minister, shadow transport minister, and opposition leader.

Mr Albanese said on Sunday he had stuck to the rules in declaring all upgrades received on Qantas flights over the years, but the book cites Qantas insiders who said the Labor leader would liaise directly with former airline boss Alan Joyce about his personal travel.

The Opposition Leader said while there was nothing unusual about the occasional flight upgrade for politicians, he was critical of Mr Albanese for allegedly “calling (his) best friend Alan Joyce” to arrange them.

“I think it is a bit strange that Mr Albanese is contacting the CEO of an airline when he is the minister for transport,” Mr Dutton said.

“If you go to the airport, and based on either load factors or decisions the airline makes otherwise for them to upgrade, that is perfectly appropriate, as the rules apply equally to everyone.

“But if you are the transport minister and you are picking up the phone to one of the most important stakeholders in your portfolio, asking for a free upgrade, then again I think the Prime Minister would be able to answer those questions more effectively than anyone else because I am not aware of anyone else having done it.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he had never asked Alan Joyce for any upgrades and did not think he had received any for personal travel but said he’d have to check his records to be certain.

His parliamentary disclosures report a Qantas flight upgrade between Sydney and Brisbane for himself, his wife and his oldest child in January 2018, and an upgrade for a staff member travelling with Virgin between Canberra and Adelaide in December of the same year.

Asked whether there was a need for stronger rules around disclosures, Dr Chalmers said he had been focused on this week’s inflation numbers, the Queensland election and his meetings in the US last week and had not given any thought to that.

“I think it’s appropriate that there are robust arrangements for it and that includes some kind of declaration,” he said, adding that any strengthening or stronger consequences for breaching rules were up to the relevant ministers.

Meanwhile, senior ministers attempted to deflect scrutiny of Mr Albanese’s relationship with Qantas.

Bill Shorten said the Prime Minister “has been diligent over many years and transparent declaring whatever he receives”.

Cabinet minister Murray Watt dismissed the claims on Monday as “rumours that have been put around, unsourced by a journalist” and said he wouldn’t dignify them.

“I’ve seen the Opposition try to seize on this, and I guess they really want to consider whether they want to make this an issue. If you have a look at Peter Dutton’s behaviour, for example, several upgrades from Qantas and other airlines,” Mr Watt told ABC radio.

“He’s had free flights paid for by Gina Rinehart, who we know has influence over the Coalition and the policy direction it takes. I really would wonder whether it’s wise for the Opposition to start calling this kind of stuff into question.

Senior Labor Minister Tanya Plibersek said it should have come as no surprise to anyone that ministers and shadow ministers travelled a lot.

“As the Prime Minister made clear the whole way through, in every instance, these benefits were declared. And I think that’s really important,” she told Seven’s Sunrise.

“He had a good relationship with both airlines… I think the Prime Minister explained himself perfectly well. He’s done a press conference yesterday. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of other media commentary today. I’ll leave it to him.”