The strangest aspect to this story is that it has taken decades for politicians’ elite club memberships to become an issue de jour.
It used to be that being a member of the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge or Virgin’s equivalent Beyond Lounge was the height of fashion among the nation’s powerful. But in Canberra, making a show of independence by quitting these elite member clubs is now very much on-trend.. And in doing so, they are making Teal the new black.
The government’s decision to deny Qatar Airways additional services into the major capital cities last year was a case in point about how its independence could have been compromised by its closeness to Qantas and, in particular, the prime minister’s apparent bromance with Joyce.Having Albanese’sEschewing these perks is political gold for those politicians prepared to bypass that private entrance inside the airport and just utilise the same lounge that other frequent flyers inhabit.
Around 90 per cent of members are picked by companies who are corporate clients. Each of Qantas’ business clients is allocated a number of Chairman’s Lounge memberships, based on their annual spending with the airline. So what about the 10 per cent of members who don’t earn their spot through a corporate account or usage?
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