Australia PM Swings Back at Qantas Upgrade Allegations

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing allegations of inappropriate conduct after a new book claimed he requested free flight upgrades from Qantas Airways. The book, titled The Chairman's Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out, suggests Albanese has a close relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and alleges he "would liaise with Joyce directly about his personal travel." The Qantas "insiders" who were cited in the claim are not named. Albanese confirmed he had declared 22 complimentary upgrades in a register or gifts but defended his actions, stating he's always acted "in a transparent and appropriate way."

He pointed out opposition lawmaker Paul Fletcher had declared 69 such upgrades, and that opposition leader Peter Dutton should address his own decision to accept a free private jet flight from magnate Gina Rinehart. Dutton had earlier remarked that the allegations involving Albanese seemed "a bit strange," saying he wasn't aware of other lawmakers having made such requests. Albanese said on Tuesday he could only remember talking twice to Joyce about flights, and neither were for personal travel. "There's no accusation being made with any specifics at all about any of this. None. None," Albanese said. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)