Calls for review of Australian MPs’ flight perks grow

Pressure is mounting across the political spectrum for an independent review into how private airlines, like Qantas, allegedly use political favours to maintain market share.

Amid public outcry over flight perks for MPs and senators, sources say parliament must address evolving community expectations on transparency.

This week, former judge and public integrity expert Anthony Whealy called for tougher disclosure rules to cut “big money” out of politics.

The debate erupted after reports that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sought upgrades from former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce – a claim Albanese denies.

Both sides

Labor has shifted attention to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who admitted his office requested a private flight from billionaire Gina Rinehart.

Meanwhile, Shadow Transport Minister Bridget McKenzie called for more transparency on how and how often MPs receive upgrades.

Inside Labor, frustrations simmer over Albanese’s delayed response to the Qantas claims, which took nearly five days to refute.

With public trust in question, politicians on both sides face scrutiny over their ties to major airlines.