Albanese hits back at Qantas upgrade claims

Speaking in Sydney on Sunday, Mr Albanese was asked about claims in a book by Australian Financial Review columnist Joe Aston that he received 22 upgrades from Qantas worth tens of thousands of dollars, including when he was transport minister.

Mr Albanese said all upgrades were reported at the time.

"From time to time, members of Parliament receive upgrades. What's important is that they are declared. All of mine have been declared," he said.

Mr Albanese said it was up to individual politicians whether they accepted the free upgrades, which are commonplace for parliamentarians on work and personal flights.

Speaking at a Canberra Writers Festival event on Saturday, Mr Aston said Mr Albanese was "compromised" due to his close relationship with senior leadership at Qantas, including former CEO Alan Joyce.

Mr Albanese said he had the same relationship with Mr Joyce and former Virgin CEO John Borghetti.

The relationship between the Prime Minister and senior government Minister's with the national flag carrier has come under scrutiny as rival Qatar Airways was blocked by Transport Minister Catherine King from flying additional services into Australia.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Bridget McKenzie said there were questions about the nature of the relationship between Mr Albanese and Qantas.

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"There are serious questions that need to be answered by the Prime Minister about what influence did those personal and financial benefits have on his decision making and the decision making of his government," Senator McKenzie said on Saturday.

Senator McKenzie's members' interests register shows that she received a chairman's lounge membership from Qantas and a Virgin Club Membership.

Mr Albanese was also asked about his son's chairman's lounge membership, which he said were transferred to him as Mr Albanese's "plus one" after he separated from his former wife Carmel Tebbutt.