Dutton Admits Requesting Flights from Rinehart

Shadow transport minister Bridget McKenzie has called for an inquiry into Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's receipt of flight upgrades from Qantas, suggesting they may have influenced government decisions regarding the airline. Despite her criticism of Albanese, she defended Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's acceptance of a free flight on mining billionaire Gina Rinehart's private jet, claiming it did not imply a quid pro quo. Dutton initially denied soliciting the flight but later admitted his office reached out to Rinehart's company for the trip, justifying it as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers. McKenzie announced plans for a thorough review of her own travel declarations, emphasizing the importance of transparency in political gifts. The controversy arises amid broader scrutiny of politicians' acceptance of perks, with Dutton asserting that his flight was at 'zero cost to the taxpayer.' The political fallout continues as labor parties leverage the situation to critique the Coalition's integrity.