ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King faced an unexpected setback at Betoota’s Remienko Memorial Aerodrome today, as her Qantas Chairman’s Lounge pass was abruptly deactivated following her announcement of government guarantees for regional flights with REX.
King was in Betoota to open the new Betoota to Lake Eyre shipping channel, but her day took a turn when her Chairman’s Lounge pass failed to work. Arriving at the lounge, King was left swiping repeatedly at the door to no avail, while an understanding but firm attendant informed her that her membership was “under review.”
The timing of the incident raised eyebrows, coming just hours after King pledged government support for REX, a direct competitor to Qantas in regional markets. Her announcement aimed to bolster connectivity to remote areas and promote competition, a move seen as essential by many rural communities but potentially disruptive to Qantas’ bottom line and return for shareholders.
“How predictable,” King was overheard saying to her staff after the incident.
Witnesses in the airport’s regular lounge noted the irony of the situation.
“Looks like she’s back to making her own toasted sandwiches in the Qantas Club,” remarked one passenger.
In a brief statement, her office said, “Minister King remains committed to ensuring all Australians, particularly those in remote areas, have access to essential transport services. If Qantas doesn’t like that, we’ll nationalise them. We can dream, can’t we?”
Qantas declined to comment directly on the matter but released a general statement: “Membership to the Chairman’s Lounge is by invitation, and we reserve the right to review memberships as necessary.”
Forced to mingle with regular passengers, King eventually boarded her flight back to Canberra on a REX plane.
“Looks like I’ll be flying REX from now on,” she said.
“They have those little stubbies on sparking wine in their lounge, a communal pack of Rothmans Reds on top of the microwave and I don’t have to say ‘Hi’ to Adam Bandt when I see him. I will miss watching Senator [David] Pocock do his bodyweight exercises in the meeting room, though.”
More to come.
