The relationship between Qantas and our top politicians has been back in the spotlight in recent weeks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie are among the politicians who have been scrutinised over upgrades on Qantas flights under membership to an elite club – the exclusive Qantas Chairman’s Lounge.
Its worth a look at some of the other perks from Qantas our politicians have been able to claim.
But what exactly is this VIP lounge, and who is allowed within its hallowed halls?
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What is the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge?
The Chairman’s Lounge is a members-only club for VIP clients travelling on domestic flights within Australia.
Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce once called it “the most exclusive club in the country”.
Its members are made up of Australia’s political and corporate elite, with invitations extended to members of parliament, celebrities and the chief executives of the country.
Forget waiting for your flight perched on a stiff plastic chair - the Chairman’s Lounge is a luxurious and private oasis within Australia’s domestic airports.
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Entry is found through a “secret door,” not signposted like the publicly accessible lounges.
It boasts private rooms and bathrooms, reading areas and a suite of bars, buffets and restaurants.
One regular visitor, describing the allure of the lounge to Nine newspaper the Australian Financial Review, quipped: “Part of the wankiness, as well as the secret doors, is the fact you could ask for absolutely anything, even if it’s not on the menu, and it will be cooked pretty quickly, just for you.”
In addition to champagne and charcuterie, lounge members have a special boarding call for their flight, to ensure they can wait in comfort until every other passenger has boarded their plane.
Do members get free flight upgrades?
Recent reports have claimed that under their membership to the lounge, Qantas gave federal members of parliament flight upgrades for free.
While most publicly announced these on their registers of interest, nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has apologised after she failed to declare that she had received 16 flight upgrades from Qantas and Virgin over the last nine years.
The furore began with claims by former Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston in his book, The Chairman’s Lounge, that Albanese personally contacted former Qantas boss Alan Joyce about his personal travel and received “guaranteed” upgrades only Joyce could provide.
Albanese has denied the claims.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also been under fire after acknowledging his office had asked Gina Rinehart for use of her private jet to help him to attend a Bali bombing memorial service in Sydney.
How much does it cost to get in?
For entry to the Qantas chairman’s lounge, it’s not about the money.
And you can’t trade in frequent flier points either.
So how do you get in then?
Membership to the elite lounge is approved by Qantas chairman John Mullen and Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson.
Otherwise, the secrets on how to join are held close to the company’s chest.
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Who is in the club?
Every member of Australia’s parliament is invited to join with a “plus one” extended to a person of their choosing.
They don’t all accept the invitation, but almost all have.
Labor Senator Tony Sheldon, a former union leader and a long-time Joyce adversary, has reportedly rejected a membership, with Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie also on the out.
Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather is reportedly also not a member.
In August 2023 it was reported Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s 23-year-old son Nathan was extended membership to the club.
The rest of the club’s membership is made up of A-list celebrities and high-flying corporate executives.
It is not uncommon for large companies that choose to book staff flights with Qantas often have membership offered for their chairman, CEO, and sometimes CFO.
Where are they?
There are six Chairman’s Lounges in total, scattered around Australia’s major airports.
Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are home to the exclusive lounges.
Inside, Qantas staff are on call at all times to assist with any travel arrangements that could arise.
While some have claimed the lounge is used as a way to curry favour between Qantas and the business and political sectors, Joyce previously insisted membership to the lounge is only “a commercial arrangement”.
