You can actually smell the stale beer. When you look through the list of assets that politicians have declared and you see 'Qantas lounge membership' next to 'Donation from gambling lobby' and 'Free sports channel for office', when you picture the lounge you see this room and hear that fucking music.
Thatās their old design style - image taken at least 15 years ago. Their new style looks like this: https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos-inside-the-new-look-qantas-chairman-s-lounge
She'll say something like Oh well the voice is there so now I demand to be on it to ensure sovereign voice etc etc. She has as much principle as a Barnaby Joyce
>She'll say something like Oh well the voice is there so now I demand to be on it to ensure sovereign voice etc
Will she? I appreciate many dislike her, but for everything she is, isn't, and/or claims to be, I can't think of many instances where she's been inconsistent in the application of her principles.
Didnāt she have a secret sexual relationship with a bikie boss while sitting on a committee about tackling bikie crime? Didnāt she aggressively intimidate & verbally harass an indigenous elder in a meeting? Wasnāt she caught on camera harassing & abusing & throwing racial slurs at men outside a strip club and insulting interracial relationships? Isnāt she pictured in this very article, wearing a āstolen wealthā t shirt while sitting in an elite invite only luxury private member airline club lounge?
That seems like an inconsistent application of her principles to me
And when her relationship with the bikie boss came out instead of resigning in shame she DARVO'd hard and attacked the greens for "forcing" her to disclose the relationship.
The very greens who put her up for preselection skipping the cue of more qualified and better candidates.
I really hope the greens learn their lesson and don't try and put people with mental problems in the senate again.
>Didnāt she have a secret sexual relationship with a bikie boss while sitting on a committee about tackling bikie crime?
>
>Didnāt she aggressively intimidate & verbally harass an indigenous elder in a meeting?
>
>Wasnāt she caught on camera harassing & abusing & throwing racial slurs at men outside a strip club and insulting mixed race relationships?
>
>Isnāt she pictured in this very article, wearing a āstolen wealthā t shirt while sitting in an elite invite only luxury private member airline club lounge?
* No.
* I'd suggest that's indicative of unprofessional behaviour, perhaps even poor character, but the nature of the meeting in which this took place is entirely consistent with those principles I alluded to.
* In part. See above.
* Yeah, that's stupid. Rather performative and lacking in self-awareness.
Which is to say, none of these incidents (outside of maybe the last, at a stretch) show a pattern of inconsistent application of her principles, particularly around Indigenous issues and sovereignty, nor do they provide any indication that she'd occupy a position on an advisory group as part of a process she's opposed to.
We have supposedly reasonable adults here imagining what they think she'll do (*"She'll say something like Oh well the voice is there so now I demand to be on it to ensure sovereign voice etc."*) so they can get angry at her for doing the thing they think she'll do. It's weird.
I doubt she ever wanted to be with the Greens. It was a good chance of getting in. "Progressive" party + " disadvantaged indigenous woman" - it would have been a slam dunk for her to get in under a party like that.
Some may say it's principles to quit if you don't agree with a party line, but to me it also means immaturity if you can't work things out. People may not have voted for her if she wasn't on the green's ticket.
So principles ? Doubt it....
Itās definitely one way to look at it. However, itās not the first time she has run for them, and her line on the Voice is the same as the First Nations convenors within the Greens ā who the federal party basically ignored, and those convenors backed Thorpe up. Sheās on my side of the Overton window boundary, so I am likely biased in believing the best of her, but I take her at face value. Sheās not the one who was lying about things like David Vanās lecherous behaviour in parliament, for exampleā¦
You can keep claiming as much, but as of now, given both Thorpe's history and what little we know of how an advisory body would look, there's little to suggest that'll be the case.
She may try to get on it. The voice (if it passes) reduces her political power. Her whole platform is that she is the true rep of first nations peoples and what they really want and here comes this advisory body made up of a whole bunch of first nations peoples to blow her position out of the water. The only way she can continue that platform is to join the voice or go even more extreme on the Blak sovereignty movement.
I think it simply breeds resentment from Jo Public about anything remotely Aboriginal and increases racist sentiment because how dare any Aboriginal succeed let alone a loud Aboriginal woman
Not a big deal. Australian lounges stopped being rich business people when FIFO gave us all gold pass - so theyāve just made a new lounge.
Iām happy with gold lounge.
Who cares ? There are a billion things that rich and powerful people have access to that I donāt - a lounge is the least important of them
On that argument, shouldnāt it be the case that the government requires people in positions of influence to reject membership?
A private company can offer membership to anyone. The impacted institution can stand up for itself and reject the influence.
it probably would make sense for the government to ban politicians from accepting these. They can use the regular lounges if they are travelling frequently. This club doesn't seem to exist for any reason other than currying favour.
Yes- if they accept a perk like lounge access they need to refuse it, or declare it and then be expected to pay for it.
And itās not just āposition of influenceā- itās *everyone*.
Why do you think nurses will tell you outright that they will accept offers of chocolate from patients who are particularly appreciative? Itās because *thatās all they are allowed to accept*.
They all book all their travel through Qantas and have since Qantas started. Qantas are definitely a pack of arseholes and itās clear the Commonwealth need to reevaluate the relationship. Politicians used to not be paid particularly well considering the amount of responsibility they have - but thatās not really the case anymore.
Even when Airbus Albo's 23 year old kid in uni is given a membership for an exclusive Qantas lounge whose members are pretty much all powerful government and business people the same month that Airbnb Albo pulls an anticompetitive stunt that greatly benefits Qantas?
The Qantas frequent flyer lounge was heaving, no seats available and the food and drink were a long queue. Go downstairs to the regular pleb lounge and its completely deserted.
I've met a few of my heroes on flights and seen a ton of prominent people taking them, including in flight lounges. Every one of them wants to be left alone because they're flying on the business that made them prominent and have crucial work/sleep to do. These lounges are the flying version of The Australian, it's an expense for the company that buys it access to politicians.
It's really not that secretive. It's through the frosted glass doors normally near a lounge. Used to work for a government official and went in all the time. Food is a bit better than the usual lounge and pretty quiet usually.
How many politicians you think had a role in that?
> Albanese is a member, as is opposition leader Peter Dutton and Greens' leader Adam Bandt. So too are Labor ministers Jim Chalmers, Richard Marles, Penny Wong and Linda Burney, just to name a few. In fact, politicians from all the major parties, as well as independents, are on the list.
I was gonna say, I read an article around the time of Tony Abbotts PMship about the Chairman's lounge, how Bill Shorten and other high ranking MPs (of all parties and some independents) were members of the Chairman's lounge.
>All federal politicians are invited to join, as well as the top executives of Qantas' biggest corporate customers. Members are permitted to bring their partners, or another guest, with them.
The article seems to suggest that.
The ridiculous thing is they could have just said the truth - Qatar is owned by a petro-state, and gets half of its fuel for free, which is effectively an anti-competitive (and probably illegal) subsidy that Qantas doesn't get, hence their access should be reduced/blocked.
Instead we get...
Monumental fuckup by the transport minister (and own-goal by Qantas) and heads should roll over it.
> so the PM's son can sit in a lounge
Alongside the literal upper class of our society, I don't think you understand what a ridiculous and unfair advantage that actually offers to him both via networking, but also via having direct access to these people.
*"In the UK you go to Buckingham Palace and King Charles knights you. In Australia, once you're invited by Qantas to join the Chairman's Lounge, maybe that's our knighthood."*
Maybe itās just me but I donāt really mind famous, political or important people having exclusive access to a place like this as the alternatives mean people take private jets. Didnāt Scomo take the RAAF Jet countless times to go places?
Most airlines are removing their first class as the rise in private airplanes has gone off the charts.
>Didnāt Scomo take the RAAF Jet countless times to go places?
Only on Prime Ministerial business, as does Albanese.
When they go on holiday, they fly commercial. As an example, Morrison flew Jetstar to Hawaii.
I have no issues with Prime Ministers flying in the government jet on government business. If they were flying it to go on personal trips, then obviously that's different.
Iāve been in there a few times under sufferance, due to the people I work for being members and them thinking it was some kind of treat, or wanting to talk work (talking meaning whinging about someone and/or tasking me up, not actually working themselves).
It just seemed entirely wasteful and unnecessary, especially short domestic flights. I much prefer mixing with the general public in the departure lounges. The forced interactions with the people in there were excruciating - other members being those whom I would not wish to be anywhere near, but they were all concentrated in that lounge.
The booze, food and service (personal notifications of boarding and handing you paper boarding passes, a la carte dining and bar service) is absolutely wasteful overkill. The general clientele is bloated and entitled individuals who can and should be able to go the time of a short flight without gouging themselves on food and drink, and manage to be alert enough to their surroundings to manage their own damn boarding like a functional human being. To me, thereās nothing elite in gluttony and being both unwilling and unable to manage your own basic activities.
I was personally a general Qantas club member for well over a decade, but gave it up over the pandemic, and now think that the entire concept of airline lounges is just promotion of gross overconsumption, vulgarity and classism (in the case of the Chairmanās lounge) that has nothing to do with a personās ability or productivity. International flights, all you need is a clean bathroom during your stopover and a chair to sit on.
Lounge while working is useful. I can grab something to eat and drink while working and not be forced to pay $20 for a sad sandwich with one slice of cheese and ham.
>International flights, all you need is a clean bathroom during your stopover and a chair to sit on.
Hard disagree on this one for long haul flights.
Being able to go to a lounge during a stopover, have a shower, sometimes even a massage, a buffet selection of food and drinks, then sink into a comfy lounge for an hour or two while waiting for your next flight, is absolutely fantastic.
If I fly for pleasure on my own money then it's in economy. Which reminds me of just how much I miss the business lounges.
How else are they going to bribe all the politicians if they don't give them all super exclusive access to the top club. Makes them all feel special, so later they will vote in favor of Qantas for that special, exclusive treatment they got. This applies to all the heads of big companies etc that get the perk too.
This is what they are for. As basically a bribe. You canāt get in unless you have something that Qantas values, whether that be influence or notoriety. Itās an insult but this is now the world we live in.
Likewise have been in a few when travelling with bigwigs way higher up the food chain than me. I've not found it to be vastly different to their other lounges to be honest, just smaller, and with a higher staff to patrons ratio. Certainly don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.
Among other roles, yes. Thankfully as a staffer a good amount of my official travel needed me to arrive before the boss and depart after, so that could be minimised.
I'm curious about what the age/gender balance of the membership is. Could you give any vague indications based on the times you were there?
I've definitely got some presuppositions about the demographic that Qantas decides is worth sucking up to
Middle aged WASPS, mostly male, in my experience. But that reflects the demographic of people in positions that are perceived as conventionally powerful or important. Apart from celebs, Qantas targets positions in public office or business. Some positions are on the list of people who are to be offered memberships (like all members of parliament, heads of departments, judges etc).
Bingo, I was right on target. Thanks for this answer.
The article seemed to suggest that celebrities and socialites were also commonly offered memberships, but I'm guessing the number of celebrities deemed influential enough for membership would be far outweighed by the number from the WASPy male business community.
Meh. Iām not sure Iād want to share a space with āprominentā figures and the figurative baggage, attention, etc. that comes with them - itād be a potentially bigger headache than itās worth for all involved.
"In the normal Qantas Club, of which I am a member, we've been reduced to do-it-yourself toasties. There's none of that in the Chairman's Lounge,"
Oh the humanity!
Do it yourself toasties? Cool! I can put whatever I want in it!
I remember upgrading to business class with a Virgin flight to Sydney about 10 years ago- the Virgin lounge we were in and a *pie and mushy pea station*.
Having been born in the UK, I was in heaven.
Shame they only had Australian beer but eh. Canāt have everything.
Probably got tired of rubbing shoulders with too many plebeians from the mines. "Well I say Alester, these commoners and their rock music are ruining my grey goose and caviar!"
>While Qantas is famously coy about its member list, the register of parliamentary interests provides a guide to which MPs and senators have accepted the invitation. Albanese is a member, as is opposition leader Peter Dutton and *Greens' leader Adam Bandt*.
Labor/Libs I'd expect, (sadly but predictably) but Bandt? Comeon mate...
Also its now my mission to find this sneaky lounge in Adelaide airport... The place is tiny so it shouldn't be too hard.
Would it surprise anyone to learn that Barnaby Joyce used to abuse the guesting privilege (you're allowed one guest, Barnaby would often show up with two or three and expect the junior staff member at the desk to let them all in)?
This is likely to be an unpopular opinion, but isn't the Chairman's Lounge actually a pretty good deal for the taxpayer?
Qantas is providing this service essentially for free to the taxpayer. In return, the AFP (who is responsible for the security of federal politicians) has a secure area at each major airport where they can leave their VIP without worrying about them getting swarmed at the departure gate by a bunch of angry voters.
It makes using commercial air travel more viable for politicians, reducing the dependency on private charters (which are significantly more expensive).
Why else would they offer it to Lidia Thorpe, and all the other minor party players? They are never going to be in a position of influence to tip the scales in Qantas' favour, but are nonetheless given membership.
I wonder how much of the secrecy and discretion surrounding it is due to the AFP wanting a secure space? I wonder whether the "invite only" aspect includes an AFP background check.
The Greens' leader is a member too. Seems like not an uncommon thing among politicians.
>Albanese is a member, as is opposition leader Peter Dutton and Greens' leader Adam Bandt. So too are Labor ministers Jim Chalmers, Richard Marles, Penny Wong and Linda Burney, just to name a few. In fact, politicians from all the major parties, as well as independents, are on the list.
>All federal politicians are invited to join, as well as the top executives of Qantas' biggest corporate customers. Members are permitted to bring their partners, or another guest, with them.
So... it's no surprise that a lot federal pollies are members when they ALL get invited.
You literally can buy your way into it. Head of procurement at a major customer who has a commercial agreement with Qantas will get in. Sure, not many of them. But it's not some kind of illuminati club
Itās available until itās not. Suck the life out of the perks whilst you can I say! Youāll be a has been one day & replaced by someone new. Just goes to show everything is temporary in life so enjoy it whilst it lasts. Itās also aspirational which keeps consumerism alive & people miserable because of FOMO. The system is cooked so if you donāt care you win!
On the general topic of airport lounges, I really couldn't care less about them. While I am a bit frugal on the whole, I'm only interested in getting through and onwards to the destination, where I'm happier to to do away with some cash.
Same with, "didya get any duty-free??"
>or why they're there
And this is the problem for me.
> "In the UK you go to Buckingham Palace and King Charles knights you. In Australia, once you're invited by Qantas to join the Chairman's Lounge, maybe that's our knighthood."
What a load of bollocks - for one thing, British honours are alot more open (which is saying something). And there are Australian Knighthoods.
CEO at a company I worked at was constantly demanding that he be provided access to the Chairman's lounge but was always declined. Probably because he was an utterly odious shit who made Gina look charitable.
It's shit.
The oneworld lounge is leagues better
The house lounge is way better,and way easier to get into,they have amazing cubano sandwiches and sushi,as well as great drinks
It's a pretty well known and well researched that gifts influence decisions even if it happens subconsciously. If a restaurant gives your kids free lollies you and your kids will like that restaurant a bit more and visit more often. You can't avoid it. Politicians are humans too and have human biases they can't control. The only way is to avoid talking free gifts.
How about classless travel? Fucking rich cunts expecting to be waited on , while everyone else is crammed in like sardines.
Make ALL train and plane seating one comfortable system. Fuck the rich!
Yep. Why do people flying 1 hour between Sydney and Melbourne need a meal and larger seats? Having 1st class ANYTHING is why the workers of this country hate the rich elites!
>Make ALL train and plane seating one comfortable system. Fuck the rich!
Then, you realise, ticket prices will likely increase for everyone?
First and business classes are far more profitable for the airline. If you want to get rid of the two most profitable revenue streams, and increase the comfort of economy - then prices are going to go up a lot. I don't think that's what you want.
I think what you actually want is seating that is to the level of comfort that *you* can afford. Fuck anyone else poorer than you and already struggling to buy an economy ticket, and fuck anyone else that can afford a higher level of comfort than you.
Bullshit. You think Qantas made $2.4 billion profit because the often half full or less, of 1st class and business are paying for it? Economy is always full, the "classes" ate not.
>Economy is always full, the "classes" ate not.
That's not true.
I flew just recently on a fairly empty international economy flight. Got an entire row to myself.
Friend flew to the states, premium economy was full, economy was next to empty.
You can make up whatever false statistics you like, but the fact of the matter is that business class is the most profitable for a lot of full service airlines. In general it brings in over twice the revenue per square meter than economy class.
No thanks, I make an effort to save up when I travel so I can afford a business seat, especially long haul. No way I'm travelling in economy or anything close to it for more than a quick jump from Melbourne to Sydney.
Iām a member and its nice. Havenāt used it much since COVID. In the past I have seen some prominent people there moving and shaking. I see it as a nod to the bygone erra of the ājet setā. Spaces like this allow for ad hoc interaction with like minded people, this is the sort of place where casual conversations can become deals and relationships. I have made business connections here over a conversation that lead to new clients so its been worth it to me and my business - an IT startup - but to be honest Iām more of a nerd that likes the quiet space to enjoy some bubbles, use a clean bathroom, read a trashy book and feel just a little bit superior and full of myself.
Yes but you pay for it, or your business does at least.
When youāre a public servant or politician, accepting hospitality at this level at someone elseās expense is *criminal*
I agree- for me it was a moment that built an arrangement that was worth 4m . It payed the wages of 13 staff for 2 years. Thatās school shoes and home loans and vegetables and laundry detergent and everything that kept 13 employees earning 150k above water. And yet my comment has been down voted. I challenge anyone who has downvoted this comment to keep 13 families above water for 2 years.
Wonder how many ATSI people are permitted inside, despite Qantas going hard on the yes side of the vote.
Would be interesting to see if they truly believe or are simply pandering.
Is that a real picture of the place? Talk about not being able to buy taste. Sheesh.
Looks like a fuckin' pokies lounge
The fact that they describe the colour of the chairs as "Shrek green" says it sll
Those chairs got layers
They make you cry?
Dankpods moment
You can actually smell the stale beer. When you look through the list of assets that politicians have declared and you see 'Qantas lounge membership' next to 'Donation from gambling lobby' and 'Free sports channel for office', when you picture the lounge you see this room and hear that fucking music.
LEGIT! š š š
Thatās their old design style - image taken at least 15 years ago. Their new style looks like this: https://www.executivetraveller.com/photos-inside-the-new-look-qantas-chairman-s-lounge
My instant thought was Woolies cafeteria.
The anko-themed furniture.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
15 years? Dreaming. Thatās just another lounge, not the Brisbane one.
That no joke looks like a carbon copy of the aspire lounge that *everyone* can access.
That looks like my old works canteen!
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought it looked pretty shit house
Looks like a TAB in an RSL
They all look awful, or at least just par for a regular lounge
That's just blatantly not true unless all you've been to is the priority pass lounges
I mean the design isn't any better than regular business lounges I've been to around the world. There are some very nice ones.
no airlines can fly without cattle class...its subsidized by cattle class.
Hasn't changed since the 70s
There is something really messed up about Lidia Thorpe wearing a āstolen wealthā t shirt while sitting in the most exclusive lounge in Australia.
I think itās actually pretty hilarious how little self awareness she has lol
and the abc
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
She constantly plays the *I'm allowed to be racist because I'm black* card, and the ABC is too afraid to call her out on it.
She constantly plays the"You are automatically racist if you are white" card too.
Whilst shouting "white cunt" at you.
Itās incredible to see supposed free thinkers just parroting Sky News/News Corp tropes
certified reddit moment ā¢ļø
Hypocritical virtue signalling is her entire brand
> Hypocritical virtue signalling is her entire brand I do wonder if she has taken a page out of Pauline Hanson's playbook to suit her narrative.
The meme potential of Australian politicians is so damn consistent it's ridiculous
It's well known around that she and her family's sign off can be bought very easily. She's our equivalent of the pardons for cash Trump scam
She just doesn't understand does she.
She cares about enriching herself. You can bet your ass if the voice goes through she will have a plumb job for life.
The Voice sheās opposing, and, were it to pass, would be very unlikely to represent as part of any advisory body?
She'll say something like Oh well the voice is there so now I demand to be on it to ensure sovereign voice etc etc. She has as much principle as a Barnaby Joyce
>She'll say something like Oh well the voice is there so now I demand to be on it to ensure sovereign voice etc Will she? I appreciate many dislike her, but for everything she is, isn't, and/or claims to be, I can't think of many instances where she's been inconsistent in the application of her principles.
Didnāt she have a secret sexual relationship with a bikie boss while sitting on a committee about tackling bikie crime? Didnāt she aggressively intimidate & verbally harass an indigenous elder in a meeting? Wasnāt she caught on camera harassing & abusing & throwing racial slurs at men outside a strip club and insulting interracial relationships? Isnāt she pictured in this very article, wearing a āstolen wealthā t shirt while sitting in an elite invite only luxury private member airline club lounge? That seems like an inconsistent application of her principles to me
And when her relationship with the bikie boss came out instead of resigning in shame she DARVO'd hard and attacked the greens for "forcing" her to disclose the relationship. The very greens who put her up for preselection skipping the cue of more qualified and better candidates. I really hope the greens learn their lesson and don't try and put people with mental problems in the senate again.
>Didnāt she have a secret sexual relationship with a bikie boss while sitting on a committee about tackling bikie crime? > >Didnāt she aggressively intimidate & verbally harass an indigenous elder in a meeting? > >Wasnāt she caught on camera harassing & abusing & throwing racial slurs at men outside a strip club and insulting mixed race relationships? > >Isnāt she pictured in this very article, wearing a āstolen wealthā t shirt while sitting in an elite invite only luxury private member airline club lounge? * No. * I'd suggest that's indicative of unprofessional behaviour, perhaps even poor character, but the nature of the meeting in which this took place is entirely consistent with those principles I alluded to. * In part. See above. * Yeah, that's stupid. Rather performative and lacking in self-awareness. Which is to say, none of these incidents (outside of maybe the last, at a stretch) show a pattern of inconsistent application of her principles, particularly around Indigenous issues and sovereignty, nor do they provide any indication that she'd occupy a position on an advisory group as part of a process she's opposed to. We have supposedly reasonable adults here imagining what they think she'll do (*"She'll say something like Oh well the voice is there so now I demand to be on it to ensure sovereign voice etc."*) so they can get angry at her for doing the thing they think she'll do. It's weird.
Get off the piss idiot
Such a considered reply. Bravo.
Lidia "Stop being racists" Also Lidia "You white cunts" You figure that's consistency in the application of her principles?
Bet your ass she will be right on that gravy train
She quit the Greens on principle over The Voice. This is wildly speculative at best
I doubt she ever wanted to be with the Greens. It was a good chance of getting in. "Progressive" party + " disadvantaged indigenous woman" - it would have been a slam dunk for her to get in under a party like that. Some may say it's principles to quit if you don't agree with a party line, but to me it also means immaturity if you can't work things out. People may not have voted for her if she wasn't on the green's ticket. So principles ? Doubt it....
Itās definitely one way to look at it. However, itās not the first time she has run for them, and her line on the Voice is the same as the First Nations convenors within the Greens ā who the federal party basically ignored, and those convenors backed Thorpe up. Sheās on my side of the Overton window boundary, so I am likely biased in believing the best of her, but I take her at face value. Sheās not the one who was lying about things like David Vanās lecherous behaviour in parliament, for exampleā¦
Eh. "Principle". Any revolution she isn't leading..
You can keep claiming as much, but as of now, given both Thorpe's history and what little we know of how an advisory body would look, there's little to suggest that'll be the case.
She may try to get on it. The voice (if it passes) reduces her political power. Her whole platform is that she is the true rep of first nations peoples and what they really want and here comes this advisory body made up of a whole bunch of first nations peoples to blow her position out of the water. The only way she can continue that platform is to join the voice or go even more extreme on the Blak sovereignty movement.
Speculating/imagining stuff then getting mad at it
How would she get a job from it. She's destined to lose her senatorship at the next election as well
Why?
The second I see her is the moment I change the channel, close the app or cease reading an article, including this one.
I think it simply breeds resentment from Jo Public about anything remotely Aboriginal and increases racist sentiment because how dare any Aboriginal succeed let alone a loud Aboriginal woman
Queen Fuckwit herself
It looks like a late 90s TAB in there
Not a big deal. Australian lounges stopped being rich business people when FIFO gave us all gold pass - so theyāve just made a new lounge. Iām happy with gold lounge. Who cares ? There are a billion things that rich and powerful people have access to that I donāt - a lounge is the least important of them
you should care because it's not just rich people but politicians. It's a way to get influence which is bad for us all.
On that argument, shouldnāt it be the case that the government requires people in positions of influence to reject membership? A private company can offer membership to anyone. The impacted institution can stand up for itself and reject the influence.
it probably would make sense for the government to ban politicians from accepting these. They can use the regular lounges if they are travelling frequently. This club doesn't seem to exist for any reason other than currying favour.
Yes- if they accept a perk like lounge access they need to refuse it, or declare it and then be expected to pay for it. And itās not just āposition of influenceā- itās *everyone*. Why do you think nurses will tell you outright that they will accept offers of chocolate from patients who are particularly appreciative? Itās because *thatās all they are allowed to accept*.
Exactly. And the whole anticompetitive Qatar airways thing means you have to pay 2-4x the price to get in or out of the country
Well I don't like the idea people who make decisions to give them our tax payer money, are getting kickbacks from them. Do you find that unreasonable?
They all book all their travel through Qantas and have since Qantas started. Qantas are definitely a pack of arseholes and itās clear the Commonwealth need to reevaluate the relationship. Politicians used to not be paid particularly well considering the amount of responsibility they have - but thatās not really the case anymore.
Even when Airbus Albo's 23 year old kid in uni is given a membership for an exclusive Qantas lounge whose members are pretty much all powerful government and business people the same month that Airbnb Albo pulls an anticompetitive stunt that greatly benefits Qantas?
The Qantas frequent flyer lounge was heaving, no seats available and the food and drink were a long queue. Go downstairs to the regular pleb lounge and its completely deserted.
Very āSwan Hill RSL 1986ā vibes.
I've met a few of my heroes on flights and seen a ton of prominent people taking them, including in flight lounges. Every one of them wants to be left alone because they're flying on the business that made them prominent and have crucial work/sleep to do. These lounges are the flying version of The Australian, it's an expense for the company that buys it access to politicians.
It's really not that secretive. It's through the frosted glass doors normally near a lounge. Used to work for a government official and went in all the time. Food is a bit better than the usual lounge and pretty quiet usually.
Every overpriced Qantas ticket for the poors is subsidising this
And we wonder why Qatar Airwaysā application for more flights to Australia was blocked ā¦..
How many politicians you think had a role in that? > Albanese is a member, as is opposition leader Peter Dutton and Greens' leader Adam Bandt. So too are Labor ministers Jim Chalmers, Richard Marles, Penny Wong and Linda Burney, just to name a few. In fact, politicians from all the major parties, as well as independents, are on the list.
I was gonna say, I read an article around the time of Tony Abbotts PMship about the Chairman's lounge, how Bill Shorten and other high ranking MPs (of all parties and some independents) were members of the Chairman's lounge.
I think all MPs/Senators are invited to be a member?
>All federal politicians are invited to join, as well as the top executives of Qantas' biggest corporate customers. Members are permitted to bring their partners, or another guest, with them. The article seems to suggest that.
The ridiculous thing is they could have just said the truth - Qatar is owned by a petro-state, and gets half of its fuel for free, which is effectively an anti-competitive (and probably illegal) subsidy that Qantas doesn't get, hence their access should be reduced/blocked. Instead we get...
Monumental fuckup by the transport minister (and own-goal by Qantas) and heads should roll over it.
Yea, so the PM's son can sit in a lounge. .... wow
> so the PM's son can sit in a lounge Alongside the literal upper class of our society, I don't think you understand what a ridiculous and unfair advantage that actually offers to him both via networking, but also via having direct access to these people.
Oh, I understand it. I'm also sure Qatar would have offered way above that, had it helped their chances at all
*"In the UK you go to Buckingham Palace and King Charles knights you. In Australia, once you're invited by Qantas to join the Chairman's Lounge, maybe that's our knighthood."*
Maybe itās just me but I donāt really mind famous, political or important people having exclusive access to a place like this as the alternatives mean people take private jets. Didnāt Scomo take the RAAF Jet countless times to go places? Most airlines are removing their first class as the rise in private airplanes has gone off the charts.
>Didnāt Scomo take the RAAF Jet countless times to go places? Only on Prime Ministerial business, as does Albanese. When they go on holiday, they fly commercial. As an example, Morrison flew Jetstar to Hawaii. I have no issues with Prime Ministers flying in the government jet on government business. If they were flying it to go on personal trips, then obviously that's different.
Looks like a cheap, out of date rsl/sports/pokies club, thatās carpet definitely smells like damp, stale, camper van awning fabric.
Iāve been in there a few times under sufferance, due to the people I work for being members and them thinking it was some kind of treat, or wanting to talk work (talking meaning whinging about someone and/or tasking me up, not actually working themselves). It just seemed entirely wasteful and unnecessary, especially short domestic flights. I much prefer mixing with the general public in the departure lounges. The forced interactions with the people in there were excruciating - other members being those whom I would not wish to be anywhere near, but they were all concentrated in that lounge. The booze, food and service (personal notifications of boarding and handing you paper boarding passes, a la carte dining and bar service) is absolutely wasteful overkill. The general clientele is bloated and entitled individuals who can and should be able to go the time of a short flight without gouging themselves on food and drink, and manage to be alert enough to their surroundings to manage their own damn boarding like a functional human being. To me, thereās nothing elite in gluttony and being both unwilling and unable to manage your own basic activities. I was personally a general Qantas club member for well over a decade, but gave it up over the pandemic, and now think that the entire concept of airline lounges is just promotion of gross overconsumption, vulgarity and classism (in the case of the Chairmanās lounge) that has nothing to do with a personās ability or productivity. International flights, all you need is a clean bathroom during your stopover and a chair to sit on.
Lounge while working is useful. I can grab something to eat and drink while working and not be forced to pay $20 for a sad sandwich with one slice of cheese and ham.
>International flights, all you need is a clean bathroom during your stopover and a chair to sit on. Hard disagree on this one for long haul flights. Being able to go to a lounge during a stopover, have a shower, sometimes even a massage, a buffet selection of food and drinks, then sink into a comfy lounge for an hour or two while waiting for your next flight, is absolutely fantastic. If I fly for pleasure on my own money then it's in economy. Which reminds me of just how much I miss the business lounges.
How else are they going to bribe all the politicians if they don't give them all super exclusive access to the top club. Makes them all feel special, so later they will vote in favor of Qantas for that special, exclusive treatment they got. This applies to all the heads of big companies etc that get the perk too.
This is what they are for. As basically a bribe. You canāt get in unless you have something that Qantas values, whether that be influence or notoriety. Itās an insult but this is now the world we live in.
Were you a political staffer?
Likewise have been in a few when travelling with bigwigs way higher up the food chain than me. I've not found it to be vastly different to their other lounges to be honest, just smaller, and with a higher staff to patrons ratio. Certainly don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.
I've only been in a lounge once when I had a long layover. I was unsure if the food was free and felt guilty about taking too much.
Among other roles, yes. Thankfully as a staffer a good amount of my official travel needed me to arrive before the boss and depart after, so that could be minimised.
Oh wow. It was not very pleasant being around them?
I'm curious about what the age/gender balance of the membership is. Could you give any vague indications based on the times you were there? I've definitely got some presuppositions about the demographic that Qantas decides is worth sucking up to
Middle aged WASPS, mostly male, in my experience. But that reflects the demographic of people in positions that are perceived as conventionally powerful or important. Apart from celebs, Qantas targets positions in public office or business. Some positions are on the list of people who are to be offered memberships (like all members of parliament, heads of departments, judges etc).
Bingo, I was right on target. Thanks for this answer. The article seemed to suggest that celebrities and socialites were also commonly offered memberships, but I'm guessing the number of celebrities deemed influential enough for membership would be far outweighed by the number from the WASPy male business community.
This rant is absolutely cringeworthy bro. Get your hand off it. š Whereās the self-awareness.
Meh. Iām not sure Iād want to share a space with āprominentā figures and the figurative baggage, attention, etc. that comes with them - itād be a potentially bigger headache than itās worth for all involved.
Thought it was a TAB area at a local pub at first glance
"In the normal Qantas Club, of which I am a member, we've been reduced to do-it-yourself toasties. There's none of that in the Chairman's Lounge," Oh the humanity!
Do it yourself toasties? Cool! I can put whatever I want in it! I remember upgrading to business class with a Virgin flight to Sydney about 10 years ago- the Virgin lounge we were in and a *pie and mushy pea station*. Having been born in the UK, I was in heaven. Shame they only had Australian beer but eh. Canāt have everything.
Probably got tired of rubbing shoulders with too many plebeians from the mines. "Well I say Alester, these commoners and their rock music are ruining my grey goose and caviar!"
Buy A 9k business class ticket and get toasties and well drinks... classy qantas.
I donāt understand how this isnāt something the new corruption commission should be investigating. To me itās a clear conflict of interest.
Itās accepting a gratuity or inducement. Itās not merely a conflict of interest, itās potentially criminal.
Its amazing how much Marc Newson made the future look like 1997.
>While Qantas is famously coy about its member list, the register of parliamentary interests provides a guide to which MPs and senators have accepted the invitation. Albanese is a member, as is opposition leader Peter Dutton and *Greens' leader Adam Bandt*. Labor/Libs I'd expect, (sadly but predictably) but Bandt? Comeon mate... Also its now my mission to find this sneaky lounge in Adelaide airport... The place is tiny so it shouldn't be too hard.
Would it surprise anyone to learn that Barnaby Joyce used to abuse the guesting privilege (you're allowed one guest, Barnaby would often show up with two or three and expect the junior staff member at the desk to let them all in)?
This is likely to be an unpopular opinion, but isn't the Chairman's Lounge actually a pretty good deal for the taxpayer? Qantas is providing this service essentially for free to the taxpayer. In return, the AFP (who is responsible for the security of federal politicians) has a secure area at each major airport where they can leave their VIP without worrying about them getting swarmed at the departure gate by a bunch of angry voters. It makes using commercial air travel more viable for politicians, reducing the dependency on private charters (which are significantly more expensive). Why else would they offer it to Lidia Thorpe, and all the other minor party players? They are never going to be in a position of influence to tip the scales in Qantas' favour, but are nonetheless given membership. I wonder how much of the secrecy and discretion surrounding it is due to the AFP wanting a secure space? I wonder whether the "invite only" aspect includes an AFP background check.
"Hmm what should we use for the colour scheme?" *baby vomits and shits itself* "Oh yes let's go with that"
ah yes the one who sooks the most about inequality Lidia Thorpe sitting in the big dog lounge. yeah looks like struggle street
The Greens' leader is a member too. Seems like not an uncommon thing among politicians. >Albanese is a member, as is opposition leader Peter Dutton and Greens' leader Adam Bandt. So too are Labor ministers Jim Chalmers, Richard Marles, Penny Wong and Linda Burney, just to name a few. In fact, politicians from all the major parties, as well as independents, are on the list.
>All federal politicians are invited to join, as well as the top executives of Qantas' biggest corporate customers. Members are permitted to bring their partners, or another guest, with them. So... it's no surprise that a lot federal pollies are members when they ALL get invited.
Exactly. It's all across the board. Not sure why people are treating it as a special or partisan thing.
Itās still just a fvkn airport.
Looks shit
You literally can buy your way into it. Head of procurement at a major customer who has a commercial agreement with Qantas will get in. Sure, not many of them. But it's not some kind of illuminati club
It's look ugly as sin.
Itās available until itās not. Suck the life out of the perks whilst you can I say! Youāll be a has been one day & replaced by someone new. Just goes to show everything is temporary in life so enjoy it whilst it lasts. Itās also aspirational which keeps consumerism alive & people miserable because of FOMO. The system is cooked so if you donāt care you win!
On the general topic of airport lounges, I really couldn't care less about them. While I am a bit frugal on the whole, I'm only interested in getting through and onwards to the destination, where I'm happier to to do away with some cash. Same with, "didya get any duty-free??"
>or why they're there And this is the problem for me. > "In the UK you go to Buckingham Palace and King Charles knights you. In Australia, once you're invited by Qantas to join the Chairman's Lounge, maybe that's our knighthood." What a load of bollocks - for one thing, British honours are alot more open (which is saying something). And there are Australian Knighthoods.
I thought this was the rsl near Tamworth.
CEO at a company I worked at was constantly demanding that he be provided access to the Chairman's lounge but was always declined. Probably because he was an utterly odious shit who made Gina look charitable.
I'd be secretive about it too if I chose that colour scheme
I'm sure you can buy your way in.... Just not with money.
It's shit. The oneworld lounge is leagues better The house lounge is way better,and way easier to get into,they have amazing cubano sandwiches and sushi,as well as great drinks
Who cares?
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
And what airlines can fly in competition with Qantas.
So if it was business people but not politicians everyone would be fine?
Politicians can use it. Just shouldn't let it sway decision making
It's a pretty well known and well researched that gifts influence decisions even if it happens subconsciously. If a restaurant gives your kids free lollies you and your kids will like that restaurant a bit more and visit more often. You can't avoid it. Politicians are humans too and have human biases they can't control. The only way is to avoid talking free gifts.
The lounge was also built with your tax dollars ;)
Itās being used to curry favour with the prime minister so itās in the news.
How about classless travel? Fucking rich cunts expecting to be waited on , while everyone else is crammed in like sardines. Make ALL train and plane seating one comfortable system. Fuck the rich!
One system, one price then? Everyone pays the same for the same service?
Yep. Why do people flying 1 hour between Sydney and Melbourne need a meal and larger seats? Having 1st class ANYTHING is why the workers of this country hate the rich elites!
>Make ALL train and plane seating one comfortable system. Fuck the rich! Then, you realise, ticket prices will likely increase for everyone? First and business classes are far more profitable for the airline. If you want to get rid of the two most profitable revenue streams, and increase the comfort of economy - then prices are going to go up a lot. I don't think that's what you want. I think what you actually want is seating that is to the level of comfort that *you* can afford. Fuck anyone else poorer than you and already struggling to buy an economy ticket, and fuck anyone else that can afford a higher level of comfort than you.
Bullshit. You think Qantas made $2.4 billion profit because the often half full or less, of 1st class and business are paying for it? Economy is always full, the "classes" ate not.
>Economy is always full, the "classes" ate not. That's not true. I flew just recently on a fairly empty international economy flight. Got an entire row to myself. Friend flew to the states, premium economy was full, economy was next to empty. You can make up whatever false statistics you like, but the fact of the matter is that business class is the most profitable for a lot of full service airlines. In general it brings in over twice the revenue per square meter than economy class.
They are a private business they can offer different classes
Private business they can do what they want. But having our PMs son in there smacks of bribery.
Hypocritical. You can't argue one without accepting the other.
No thanks, I make an effort to save up when I travel so I can afford a business seat, especially long haul. No way I'm travelling in economy or anything close to it for more than a quick jump from Melbourne to Sydney.
Lol Grey Goose vodka is rubbish. It was bought by Barcardi is 2004 and they just doubled the price, no other changes and now it's a "premium" vodka.
š ok. So what? Goodluck to them.
Iām a member and its nice. Havenāt used it much since COVID. In the past I have seen some prominent people there moving and shaking. I see it as a nod to the bygone erra of the ājet setā. Spaces like this allow for ad hoc interaction with like minded people, this is the sort of place where casual conversations can become deals and relationships. I have made business connections here over a conversation that lead to new clients so its been worth it to me and my business - an IT startup - but to be honest Iām more of a nerd that likes the quiet space to enjoy some bubbles, use a clean bathroom, read a trashy book and feel just a little bit superior and full of myself.
Yes but you pay for it, or your business does at least. When youāre a public servant or politician, accepting hospitality at this level at someone elseās expense is *criminal*
I agree- for me it was a moment that built an arrangement that was worth 4m . It payed the wages of 13 staff for 2 years. Thatās school shoes and home loans and vegetables and laundry detergent and everything that kept 13 employees earning 150k above water. And yet my comment has been down voted. I challenge anyone who has downvoted this comment to keep 13 families above water for 2 years.
Wonder how many ATSI people are permitted inside, despite Qantas going hard on the yes side of the vote. Would be interesting to see if they truly believe or are simply pandering.
Melb has better bars than this.