Upgrades to Aus Politicians and Family

[Sprucegoose]

So what if politicians get free upgrades! It doesn't cost the tax payer anything. If the issue is bribery then what is stopping VA or anyone else doing the same thing. Finally, on CL, some members of governmental 'rank' get given CL as part of their job which in itself brings preferential operational upgrades and what not.

I hear what you say, lets say its a perk rather than an entitlement that is enforceable. I dont have issues with declarations as it is an above board deal, and how do you put a value on an upgrade in any case?

 

[Sprucegoose]

I agree, automatic CL membership could be considered a bribe in a way, and it does seem funny to hear them one minute tearing QF apart, and the next minute drinking QF's free booze. But the article was focused on "upgrades" not lounge access or FF tier. Then again, I do believe that the purpose of CL is it is a "gift" to those who may be able to influence QF's bottom line in a way that it could make differences to graphs presented to board meetings.

I dont believe it is automatic......it is not an offer from their employer. Its a privilege not a right.

It is an influencer, a soft inducement but nothing more. The commonwealth has rules on all these things so i am sure this discussion has been had by a few previously.

 

[amaroo]

So what if politicians get free upgrades! It doesn't cost the tax payer anything.

The tax payer runs the very real risk/cost of poor public policy!

If the issue is bribery then what is stopping VA or anyone else doing the same thing.

Binding code of conduct/conditions of employment that prohibit any gift/invitation/upgrade/free membership/brown envelopes/etc........

There are plenty of agreements in plenty of workplaces that ensure employees are not tempted by the devil.......politicians & all Gov employees should be made to meet these basic requirements.

There's not a company in the business of providing these things without a very real ulterior motive.

Finally, on CL, some members of governmental 'rank' get given CL as part of their job which in itself brings preferential operational upgrades and what not.

IMO CL membership should be the domain of private enterprise not public servants or elected pollies.......

 

[Happy Trails]

If the issue is bribery then what is stopping VA or anyone else doing the same thing.

Ethics perhaps?

 

[TonyHancock]

If the issue is bribery then what is stopping VA or anyone else doing the same thing.

I'm not sure that is the answer. If we assume, for the sake of argument, that it is not right and proper, then it hardly seems appropriate to encourage other businesses to do the same.

 

[RWJ777]

Just a couple of things wrong with your maths.First for the pollies it refers to International upgrades.Second Senators dont have to declare anything if it is offered to the majority.

Then of course is the QF gifts of Ipads plus use of their private boxes at sporting events.Not something AFFers generally get.

Plus another recent article-

Read more: Foxtel gifts undeclared despite warnings

So can you be confident that all upgrades have been declared?

There would be no need for op ups for the members or senators flying in for sittings; all J. The op ups are, I suspect, predominantly in relation to private travel or maybe party business.

 

[Flying mermaid]

That's the most ludicrous thing I've ever read on this board.

Do you actually know what the definition of a bribe is? Bribe | Define Bribe at Dictionary.com

You have to be giving someone something with the intention of corrupting the behavior of that person.

What Qantas is doing by giving anyone an upgrade, including a politician, is marketing. They're not trying to corrupt, they're trying to ensure loyalty to their brand (made considerably more difficult for them since politicians no longer get frequent flyer points, I dare say).

The Public Service has very strict rules governing marketing from commercial enterprises. At Christmas I would like to give various public servants we deal with on a regular basis a box of chocolates to celebrate the season and thank them for their hard work during the year (yes some of them are actually efficient and do a really good job ). We can't do that as they are not allowed to accept any gifts from a business as it might be seen to be influencing them.....

 

[Oneworldplus2]

...what is stopping VA or anyone else doing the same thing.

It hasn't...
Going from the link provided on the AFF Facebook page (provided by Jaron Minntern) House of Representatives Committees – Parliament of Australia
First person on the list is Tony Abbott

 

[medhead]

The Public Service has very strict rules governing marketing from commercial enterprises. At Christmas I would like to give various public servants we deal with on a regular basis a box of chocolates to celebrate the season and thank them for their hard work during the year (yes some of them are actually efficient and do a really good job ). We can't do that as they are not allowed to accept any gifts from a business as it might be seen to be influencing them.....

There was a value limit below which I was allowed to accept gifts when a public servant (state government). I'm sure chocolates would fit within that limit. Got a cool tin of yellow jelly beans one year - Might sound strange but it was an industry thing.

 

[coyote25]

There was a value limit below which I was allowed to accept gifts when a public servant (state government). I'm sure chocolates would fit within that limit. Got a cool tin of yellow jelly beans one year - Might sound strange but it was an industry thing.

It depends where you work. In my public service job the limit is a cup of coffee (made not bought). Ive had to down down lots of minor gifts including paid drinks.

At speaking engagements I'm allowed to accept a wine gift (since this is a bit of a standard thing in regional areas) but I must not use it myself (I give it to a strong performing staff member usually).

For my employer there can be no actual or perception of conflict of interest given we effect people's finances. However there is no problem if a random free upgrade; it's random, has nothing to do with job, doesn't effect professional bookings (cheapest fare of the day) and people on the plane won't connect it to your job (no perception).

I suppose a MP is known so people could have that perception seeing them on the plane but really at the numbers quoted I'm not concerned. Free upgrades can happen to everyone including, but rarely, to no status pax.

Now the CL membership can be a bit different since that's not generally available.

However work based flights that get free upgrades do have an impact on my personal flight bookings


Sent from my iPad using AustFreqFly app

 

[Flying mermaid]

There was a value limit below which I was allowed to accept gifts when a public servant (state government). I'm sure chocolates would fit within that limit. Got a cool tin of yellow jelly beans one year - Might sound strange but it was an industry thing.

If you are in a Federal procurement area, it is pretty much zero, even though the people we deal with have no say in what contracts get let, they are purely admin, they are not allowed to accept anything. I find it frustrating, as I really appreciate the work they do and would like to make a gesture of appreciation at Christmas, but it is not allowed. I had a friend who was CL based on his position in the Public Service and budget control - always seemed odd to me that he could accept things like CL which meant he and his whole family could go to the F lounge when travelling economy but others can't accept a box of chocs.

 

[amaroo]

If you are in a Federal procurement area, it is pretty much zero, even though the people we deal with have no say in what contracts get let, they are purely admin, they are not allowed to accept anything. I find it frustrating, as I really appreciate the work they do and would like to make a gesture of appreciation at Christmas, but it is not allowed. I had a friend who was CL based on his position in the Public Service and budget control - always seemed odd to me that he could accept things like CL which meant he and his whole family could go to the F lounge when travelling economy but others can't accept a box of chocs.

Infinity + 1:!: