<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>332119</docID> <postdate>2024-10-31 07:44:19</postdate> <headline>PM: I never called ex-Qantas boss for flight perks</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-332120" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20230814001830751478-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Anthony Albanese has been under pressure to explain any perks he received from Qantas. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Kat Wong</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Anthony Albanese has declared he never called the former Qantas boss to seek flight upgrades, days after the allegations ignited the political landscape.</strong></p> <p>Politicians have been engaging in a days-long back-and-forth after a book detailed claims Mr Albanese received 22 upgrades from economy from Qantas and would liaise personally with the airline's ex-chief executive Alan Joyce for the perks.</p> <p>The prime minister has repeatedly rejected the accusations, noting all his flights had been listed in accordance with rules for federal MPs.</p> <p>On Wednesday evening, a spokesperson from his office provided a firm statement of denial.</p> <p>"The prime minister did not ever call Alan Joyce seeking an upgrade," they said.</p> <p>"All travel has been appropriately declared and is a matter of public record."</p> <p>The statement could put a nail in the coffin of a debate that has been seized upon by the coalition.</p> <p>Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has consistently accused Mr Albanese of breaching ministerial standards, which prevent politicians from seeking and encouraging gifts in a personal capacity.</p> <p>Mr Dutton raised questions about the relationship between the prime minister and Mr Joyce during the former CEO's embattled final months.</p> <p>"The prime minister had a very significant and now declared personal friendship with the CEO of Qantas, who ultimately was the beneficiary of the decision taken by the prime minister," Mr Dutton told reporters.</p> <p>The government was criticised in 2023 for blocking rival airline Qatar Airways from having additional flights in Australia, accused of protecting Qantas.</p> <p>Mr Joyce quit in September that year, expediting his planned departure after the airline suffered a series of reputational blows under his leadership.</p> </body>