The controversy over the flight upgrades comes as Albanese struggles with low voter approval ratings amid higher living costs.

It was alleged by author Joe Aston in the book about Qantas, “The Chairman’s Lounge”, that Albanese solicited upgrades directly from former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce while he was a member of parliament but before he became prime minister.

In an ABC television interview on Monday, Aston said Albanese had called Joyce to ask for upgrades.

Australian politicians getting free upgrades on flights is widespread and many are offered membership to luxury lounges, disclosures made to parliament show, though they are obliged to declare such gifts.

“The prime minister did not ever call Alan Joyce seeking an upgrade,” Albanese’s office said in a statement today.

“All travel has been appropriately declared and is a matter of public record.”