Downer tops govt Frequent Flyer list

[Mal]

Downer tops govt Frequent Flyer list - Breaking News - National - Breaking News

Alexander Downer's title of foreign affairs minister should perhaps be changed to frequent flyer minister.

He's accrued 3.5 million frequent flyer points.

Joking with the lunching members of the American Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Mr Downer challenged anyone to outdo his frequent flyer account which he said he had accumulated after 11-1/2 years as a federal government minister.

He even speculated he had the most Qantas Frequent Flyer points of any South Australian and that despite the massive tally, he was rarely able to use them.

<continues>

Perhaps he should look around here as to what to do with them... I do believe one or two people I know of would have earned more than 3.5million points in 11 1/2 years through flying (that's only ~300000 per year!)

 

[straitman]

Downer tops govt Frequent Flyer list - Breaking News - National - Breaking News


<continues>

Perhaps he should look around here as to what to do with them... I do believe one or two people I know of would have earned more than 3.5million points in 11 1/2 years through flying (that's only ~300000 per year!)

Maybe he is living up to his title :!:

 

[NYCguy]

3.5 million points? Yawn... OK, that IS a lot of miles, but I agree that quite a few contributors to this board could probably outdo that total.

Of course, one would expect no less of a Foreign Minister. One imagines also that Lord Downer will retain his CL membership after he retires...

 

[simongr]

Jeez - he is FOREIGN affairs Minister - how the hell is he meant to deal with foreign countries if he doesn't travel.

Guess the collapsing economy doesnt sell as many papers....

Re th 3.5 million points/miles that would be after redemptions though (note I do not include upgrades )

 

[serfty]

If any of his US counter parts had around 1½ to 1¾ Million miles in their US based ff program they would have just as much redeemability as 3.5 M QFF points.

 

[NYCguy]

Guess the collapsing economy doesnt sell as many papers....

Let's not go nuts...

 

[simongr]

Look they have added 10% to the cost of a DONE4 - the world is ending!

 

[aus_flyer]

I agree, this really shouldn't be news.

But, just as a side note, nearly all of Downer's travel is done in a private jet, so that makes 3.5m a fair bit!

 

[ioki]

i had tho government employees are not allowed to accumulate FF points while travelling on tax payer's $$

 

[littl_flier]

i had tho government employees are not allowed to accumulate FF points while travelling on tax payer's $$

They aren't, but the politicians can. As the article suggests though, these points supposedly can only be used for Govt Travel

 

[wallacej]

"despite the massive tally, he was rarely able to use them."

Do you think I could email him my FF number. I understand transfers can be done up to 100,000 per year.... I could be a long lost twice removed cousin...

 

[straitman]

"despite the massive tally, he was rarely able to use them."

Do you think I could email him my FF number. I understand transfers can be done up to 100,000 per year.... I could be a long lost twice removed cousin...

He might tell you to 'get lost' instead :!:

 

[wallacej]

I am sure he would... ever so politely!

 

[Mal]

When he does retire, he will most likely be entitled to the "Life Gold Pass" - basically up to 25 return J trips (with spouse) within Australia for non-commercial reasons.

Parliamentary Remuneration Life Gold Pass and Severence Travel

No overseas travel though - but I'm sure his consulting/speaking/Consulate position (if he gets one) will ensure that he gets some paid by others!

 

[kpc]

All I can say is::evil::evil::evil::evil::evil: re life Gold pass
As for the foreign minister ....well I don't think I'll start name calling...