AFR's Joe Aston goes BAM!

[justinbrett]

All this is getting a long way from Joe Aston's writings (AKA off topic).

Even though its called 'The Chairman's Lounge', the sub title is 'The inside story of how Qantas sold us out'. So its far more about Qantas and Alan Joyce and, to a lesser extent (to the stage I've read) about Vanessa Hudson being right in lock-step with Joyce and the stuff Qantas inflicted on pax in the past few years.

I find it hilarious that JA (and/or his publishers) clearly used the Albo story to promote his book, and it worked brilliantly.

But now he’s not happy the media are focussing on the wrong target.

This is clearly the story that’s captured the national interest.

 

[kamchatsky]

Well some MPs are quitting CL and VA Beyond Lounge, and is using this as a wedge against the major parties:

‘Losing trust’: MPs say they’ll quit Chairman’s Lounge

Independent MPs Allegra Spender and Helen Haines are the latest MPs to ditch their VIP airline treatment.

www.smh.com.au

 

[p--and--t]

Well some MPs are quitting CL and VA Beyond Lounge, and is using this as a wedge against the major parties:

‘Losing trust’: MPs say they’ll quit Chairman’s Lounge

Independent MPs Allegra Spender and Helen Haines are the latest MPs to ditch their VIP airline treatment.

www.smh.com.au

Interesting. Various pollies will take various positions for their own reasons. Some as a political wedge, some for their own expression of independence/removal of perception of bias.

I don't know either of them, not in either electorate and not delved very deeply but my gut has always had a good feel about the good intentions and openness of Entsch and Wilkie.

 

[RooFlyer]

Also not even mentioning the meetings, informal or otherwise, that are taking place in the QF lounges.

Interesting interesting perspective of two Teals.

One gave up Chairmsn's lounge last year because she said it was overrun with lobbyists and she didn’t think it was an appropriate space to be in with the potential conflict of interest and 'quiet off the record meetings'.

Ministers at least meeting lobbyists have to have it recorded when it happens at Parliament house or in their officesor in their offices. I guess if you just 'happen to bump into them' in the chairman's lounge, it’s not necessarily noted.

I can respect this Teal's position.

But another Teal saying today how it’s a nice place to do some work, relax and to have meetings, so she’s hanging onto her membership.

 

[DejaBrew]

Interesting interesting perspective of two Teals.

Honestly? I can appreciate both perspectives.

Ministers at least meeting lobbyists have to have it recorded when it happens at Parliament house or in their officesor in their offices. I guess if you just 'happen to bump into them' in the chairman's lounge, it’s not necessarily noted.

This is probably something that needs to be remedied (i.e. all such conversations need to be noted, regardless of venue).

 

[TheRealTMA]

Interesting interesting perspective of two Teals.

One gave up Chairmsn's lounge last year because she said it was overrun with lobbyists and she didn’t think it was an appropriate space to be in with the potential conflict of interest and 'quiet off the record meetings'.

Ministers at least meeting lobbyists have to have it recorded when it happens at Parliament house or in their officesor in their offices. I guess if you just 'happen to bump into them' in the chairman's lounge, it’s not necessarily noted.

I can respect this Teal's position.

But another Teal saying today how it’s a nice place to do some work, relax and to have meetings, so she’s hanging onto her membership.

And for perspective, one lives in sydney and could easily drive to canberra quicker than using airport, and the other has to travel long distance?

 

[justinbrett]

Interesting interesting perspective of two Teals.

One gave up Chairmsn's lounge last year because she said it was overrun with lobbyists and she didn’t think it was an appropriate space to be in with the potential conflict of interest and 'quiet off the record meetings'.

Ministers at least meeting lobbyists have to have it recorded when it happens at Parliament house or in their officesor in their offices. I guess if you just 'happen to bump into them' in the chairman's lounge, it’s not necessarily noted.

I can respect this Teal's position.

But another Teal saying today how it’s a nice place to do some work, relax and to have meetings, so she’s hanging onto her membership.

That’s what Canberra restaurants are for.

 

[kamchatsky]

If the MPs can just fly domestic J as part of their policy, wouldn't they get lounge access anyway, so they can still do some work, relax and have meetings?

Why would they still need CLs/Beyond Lounges?

 

[drron]

If the MPs can just fly domestic J as part of their policy, wouldn't they get lounge access anyway, so they can still do some work, relax and have meetings?

Why would they still need CLs/Beyond Lounges?

So they don't have to talk to those pesky constituents.

 

[TheRealTMA]

If the MPs can just fly domestic J as part of their policy, wouldn't they get lounge access anyway, so they can still do some work, relax and have meetings?

Why would they still need CLs/Beyond Lounges?

They would have to use the J lounge with all the fluorescent vested people. Horror!

 

[Quickstatus]

I can tell you that QF is very competitive with government fares, offering a huge discount for WoAG. The notion that VA is cheaper is incorrect. Many times QF is, especially when booked close to dep

I didnt say QF was more expensive. However and my point is it is more expensive to travel J rather than Y and there are more flights with only Y than there are J. So for a very short flight, why does it matter what seat it is.

 

[Quickstatus]

is clearly the story that’s captured the national interest.

And that is clearly one of the issues that the public find galling.

However, i think the point being made is there are more stories to be explored in the book which cast further light on the relationship between QF and Govt which prima facie also does not protect the public interest.

 

[Pushka]

Just starting to read this book which is easy to read. It's interesting the way the media has run with it, there is so much history of favours and treats both ways that have nothing to do with the current Government. Howard and SQ expansion comes to mind. Maybe it will result in a cleaning up of everything.

 

[jakeseven7]

That’s what Canberra restaurants are for.

Ummm and the Hyatt. Certain rooms there should also be banned to MPs.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Just starting to read this book which is easy to read. It's interesting the way the media has run with it, there is so much history of favours and treats both ways that have nothing to do with the current Government. Howard and SQ expansion comes to mind. Maybe it will result in a cleaning up of everything.

Shock! You will never see or read that on any News Corp or Sky news program who are piling on the agenda of the Opposition.

Somewhat a pity the content of the book ha been overshadowed by one or two sentences, but my feeling is that news companies (not just News Corp) are just not that interested in dealing with the long standing bad behaviour, corporate governance and issues with Qantas and previous governments.

 

[RooFlyer]

And for perspective, one lives in sydney and could easily drive to canberra quicker than using airport, and the other has to travel long distance?

I think what you are getting at is the Member who lives in Sydney and drives the big diesel is the one who has kept membership, whilst the longer distance flyer has given it up.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I think what you are getting at is the Member who lives in Sydney and drives the big diesel is the one who has kept membership, whilst the longer distance flyer has given it up.

Wentworth?

 

[RooFlyer]

Wentworth?

YMWTT,ICNPC !

 

[MARTINE]

Interesting. Various pollies will take various positions for their own reasons. Some as a political wedge, some for their own expression of independence/removal of perception of bias.

I don't know either of them, not in either electorate and not delved very deeply but my gut has always had a good feel about the good intentions and openness of Entsch and Wilkie.

And another

A lounge membership is a valuable gift. Airlines don’t offer them to MPs for no reason | Monique Ryan

When I became an MP, lounge access seemed a useful part of the job. But I soon became aware of the insidious nature of lobbying

www.theguardian.com

 

[Captain Halliday]

No matter what you think of the OpEd, this is some awkward ad placement: