Shadow Transport Minister Bridget McKenzie acknowledged her mistake in being overly emphatic about receiving flight upgrades, particularly as she stood by Peter Dutton's use of Gina Rinehart's private jet for travel. The ongoing controversy surrounding claims of free upgrades, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's acceptance of such perks, has led politicians from all sides to review their logs and declarations for compliance.
During an interview with ABC's RN Breakfast, Senator McKenzie expressed regret for her previous assertions, admitting she had been wrong to deny ever receiving an upgrade. She has initiated an audit to confirm whether there are any additional discrepancies in her records and emphasized the importance of holding oneself to the standards imposed on others. According to parliamentary rules, MPs and senators must promptly update their register of interests to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including gifts, within 28 days of receipt.
In light of the scrutiny facing her failure to update her record, Senator McKenzie distinguished herself from Prime Minister Albanese by noting that he oversaw the aviation sector as the transport minister. She underscored her familiarity with being held accountable for potential conflicts, referencing her resignation from a cabinet position during the sports rorts scandal in 2020. Additionally, she defended the opposition leader's admission about his office's request to use Gina Rinehart's private jet for attending a memorial service despite earlier denials, asserting the importance of transparency through public declarations and examining conduct.