Federal Transport Minister King Earns lifetime QF Platinum membership

[MEL_Traveller]

I don't see any logic in the distinction.

Being allowed to take advantage of bonus credits could lead to an incentive to book QF rather than BFOD.

 

[justinbrett]

I think according to this article, Dept of Finance has said yes to earning SCs but no to DSC promotions.

That is only a recent change. For most of her travelling history, and as long as QF have been running them, she would have been entitled to DSC.

Being allowed to take advantage of bonus credits could lead to an incentive to book QF rather than BFOD.

BFOD is also a modern concept. Prior to WoAG there were no such rules. For example, Department of Defence had a contract with Qantas and most travel was booked with them.

 

[AuSammy]

In case it's unclear to anyone from the hit piece headline - she got there by flying the 75k SC. IMO that's very different to Qantas just deciding to gift LTP to the transport minister for no reason.

If she achieved 75,000 SCs from BIS flying, this seems a wee bit sensationalised...

So an absolute beat up with a headline deliberately constructed to mislead - who would have thought ….

 

[sevenfourtyseven]

It doesn’t elicit as much rage and isn’t as click bait worthy when you report ‘normally’

 

[mviy]

How long till she gets LifeTime Status on Virgin as well or does she have that already?

 

[SYD]

How long till she gets LifeTime Status on Virgin

That’s not news worthy…

as well or does she have that already?

Probably.

Although, if she’s only “Forever Red” that could be more telling.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

That’s not news worthy…

Probably.

Although, if she’s only “Forever Red” that could be more telling.

If she's mainly flying between MEL & CBR with SYD BNE & ADL in the mix as well, then she may also fly VA.
I wouldn't imagine many WA politicians would fly VA transcon since they got rid of the wide bodies.
Although now QF has almost completely stopped operating wide bodies in and out of PER too, that advantage is disappearing.

 

[aikman]

It is now in her interest that her status retains it's value during her lifetime. Should I buy some Qantas shares?

 

[mviy]

Maybe she should keep going to 200k LTSC in case a LTP1 is introduced?

 

[dylarr]

I love a good pile on as much as the next person, but since her office already confirmed she attained it under the same requirements that apply to everyone rather than it being "gifted" as the media have portrayed, this is the biggest non-issue.

 

[justinbrett]

I love a good pile on as much as the next person, but since her office already confirmed she attained it under the same requirements that apply to everyone rather than it being "gifted" as the media have portrayed, this is the biggest non-issue.

Even the opposition (Bridget McKenzie) said it was a nothingburger. That says it all.

 

[Groundfeeder]

Even the opposition (Bridget McKenzie) said it was a nothingburger. That says it all.

And how would this go if the Sports Ministeress was granted "gold" lifetime entry to MCG, tennis, NRL etc? The pub test requires her to politely decline to avoid the inkle of potential corruption. But what pollie would do that as all of their tagalong ministerial food tasters would suffer from the barred trough of freebies previously available. IMO.

 

[mviy]

One could make similar arguments to say that status should only come from leisure travel not any travel paid by any employer.

 

[transpactraveller]

Even the opposition (Bridget McKenzie) said it was a nothingburger. That says it all.

She probably already has LTP herself then, or is close to attaining it!

 

[aikman]

One could make similar arguments to say that status should only come from leisure travel not any travel paid by any employer.

99.9% of passengers flying for their employer cannot single handedly influence Qantas' bottom line like the transport minister can.

A more powerful Qantas might build more F lounges. That would suit a LTP very nicely.

 

[mviy]

A more powerful Qantas might build more F lounges. That would suit a LTP very nicely.

A more powerful QF could see less need to have any F lounges at all.

 

[AuSammy]

I fail to see how anyone can “decline” a status naturally achieved in a program in which you are a member. Its not a gift.

It may not be a good look for those jealous they haven’t had the opportunity in their career to fly that much but jeez some people have a need to gripe and find fault where there is none.

Reminds me of those who constantly say you are “so lucky” or “its a scam” you get to fly J on points. Work out how to do it, earn and save the points, follow the program rules and you can do it too. No luck or corruption involved

CL a different story - unearned gift.

 

[Pushka]

Media on the other hand are free to publish clearly misleading or incorrect information in articles with no repercussions. . .

Sometimes they are simply quoting politicians directly though......

 

[MEL_Traveller]

And how would this go if the Sports Ministeress was granted "gold" lifetime entry to MCG, tennis, NRL etc? The pub test requires her to politely decline to avoid the inkle of potential corruption. But what pollie would do that as all of their tagalong ministerial food tasters would suffer from the barred trough of freebies previously available. IMO.

The distinction is ‘automatic’ vs a proactive gift.

Status is automatic, no option to decline. Available to anyone who meets the criteria.

Gifting something like membership to the MCG isn’t in the same category.

If you have to ask the question ‘why?’ (is this benefit being bestowed) then you’re probably right that it should be declined.

In this case it’s like the Minister for Roads attaining 25-year member benefits at the NRMA, simply for being a member for 25 years.