Why the Qantas saga is ‘classic Albanese’

7am

The prime minister’s relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, and whether he likes a free upgrade, has been the talk of Canberra, prompted by the publication of a new book called The Chairman’s Lounge.

Speculation about what the book would reveal had been swirling for months, and it was widely known in political circles that some of it would be bad for the prime minister.

But when the book was finally published, Albanese and his office seemed unprepared.

The saga, which played out over a week, and entangled politicians from both major parties, raises questions about how much our leaders love a freebie – and whether the prime minister in particular has lost touch with voters’ expectations.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on The Chairman’s Lounge and whether it matters if politicians get a fancy drink in a fancy chair.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis