Australia’s PM flies into storm of controversy over free Qantas flight upgrades

In his past parliamentary portfolios as transport minister and opposition transport spokesman, and sometimes on private trips, Albanese accepted gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars from Qantas, according to a new book by former Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston.

In some cases, Albanese didn’t specify whether he was upgraded to first or business class, making it impossible to determine the precise value of the benefit, Aston wrote.

Responding to the allegations, Albanese said: “From time to time, members of parliament receive upgrades. What’s important is that they are declared. All of mine have been declared.”