Should public servants keep their status perks?

Should public servants keep their status perks?

Author: Momentum Media January 28, 2026 Duration: 48:59

The verdict is in: after a review by the Department of Finance, government travellers will be allowed to continue to claim airline status credits on flights for official business, though taking advantage of bonus credit offers is definitively out.

It's a victory for Qantas, which insists that letting bureaucrats take advantage of perks like lounge access and baggage allowances saves taxpayers money – and a setback for Virgin, which argues that the policy unfairly favours Qantas and incentivises taking more expensive flights on the public purse.

On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David dive back into the debate around public servants' airline benefits and ask whether Finance got the balance right.

Plus, a new report warns that cyber-criminals could use drones to hack into Australia's critical infrastructure – but how can a pineapple be used maliciously, and what do raspberry pies have to do with it?


You'll find the Australian Aviation Podcast Network right at the intersection of runway tarmac and boardroom strategy. Produced by Momentum Media, this collection of shows digs into the stories that define flight in this part of the world, moving well beyond the headlines. Each episode feels like a hangar chat with the people who know the industry best-pilots, engineers, executives, and analysts-offering a grounded perspective on everything from the engineering marvels of new aircraft to the complex logistics of running an airline. We explore the sheer joy and freedom of recreational flying just as deeply as the tough commercial decisions that keep the sector aloft. Whether it's a discussion on sustainable fuel technologies, the revival of regional routes, or the history behind a beloved aircraft type, the conversation is always driven by genuine curiosity. Tune in for clear, informed talk that connects the dots between the business of aviation and the passion that fuels it, all delivered with a distinct Aussie lens. This podcast network is for anyone who feels that lift of anticipation when an aircraft throttles down the runway, or who simply wants to understand the forces that shape how we connect across this vast continent and beyond.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 385

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
Podcast Episodes
How does aviation solve the arrival cap riddle? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:14
In July, Australia limited the number of people who could arrive back into the country to manage the flow into hotel quarantine. The problem is, the decision has pushed up prices to eye-popping levels and reduced availab…
AIPA chief talks how Qantas pilots are coping [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
In amongst the border closures, groundings and rows, it can be easy to forget the impact of COVID-19 on airline pilots themselves, who have found their industry has effectively shut down. In this episode of the Australia…
Will shareholders bail out the industry? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
Despite initially indicating it wouldn't have to go to shareholders for money, Sydney Airport has now asked shareholders to pitch in $2 billion to help it through the challenges brought on by the pandemic. With Qantas on…
Flying solo with Gary Criddle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:55
Gary Criddle's remarkable career has seen him work as a pilot for the Royal Australian Navy, RAAF as well as commercially, where he has flown 767s and A380s. He's also practised as an examiner, specialising in both air s…
Is the 'Cold War' between airports and airlines wise? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:25
Tension between two industry groups has come to a head as airports accuse airlines of neglecting to pass on their government bailouts by not paying various fees. In this episode of the Australian Aviation Podcast, hosts…
Virgin bondholders back in the game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:19
The latest development in the Virgin Australia saga has unhappy bondholders confirming they will put their offer to creditors next month, despite Bain having already pumped millions into the airline to keep it afloat ove…
Has Melbourne's spike ruined aviation's recovery? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:02
Just as interstate flights were set to begin ramping up, Victoria has been hit by a second spike of COVID-19, borders are locked down, and a badly handled quarantine policy appears to be at the root of it. In this episod…
Did Qantas bolt too soon with job cuts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:49
Qantas has been slammed by the TWU for not waiting for more clarity around the future of JobKeeper before announcing it will axe about 20% of its staff. Is the controversial decision in the best interest of the airline a…