Friday headlines: Australian divorce rates at lowest in half a century, Penny Wong accuses coalition of ‘gunboat diplomacy’, mystery surrounds death of legendary Hollywood actor, and Katy Perry is going to space on all-woman crewed Blue Origin mission. 

Deep Dive: The government has approved a deal that will let Qatar Airways buy a quarter of Virgin Australia.

The deal means an extra 28 flights a week – and there’s hope more competition in the sector equals cheaper airfares going forward. The Treasurer Jim Chalmers yesterday greenlit the deal with some caveats – including a guarantee of an Aussies on the Virgin board and protection of customer data.  

You might remember the political shitfight that was Labor knocking back a bid by the same airline to operate more routes in Australia in 2023 – with the Opposition and others accusing the Government of being far too cosy with Qantas.  

On this episode of The Briefing, author of the Chairmans Lounge and founder of new Australian media company Rampart News, Joe Aston, joins Bension Siebert to explain what this is going to mean for all of us flying in the future, and what Qantas might be feeling about it all.

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