7am Is Qantas sorry – or just sorry it got caught?
Aug 20, 2025
Join Joe Aston, founder of Rampart and author of *The Chairman's Lounge*, as he dissects Qantas' recent $90 million penalty for illegally outsourcing ground staff. Aston questions whether the airline's remorse is genuine or merely a reaction to getting caught. He delves into the ongoing legal fallout and the implications for Qantas' leadership, including challenges faced by the new CEO in rebuilding trust. Aston also examines the ethical dilemmas within the company's culture, raising important questions about accountability in Australian business.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Legal Defeat Confirmed At Every Level
- Qantas pursued a long legal fight over outsourcing and lost at multiple levels up to the High Court.
- The rulings confirmed the company illegally sacked about 1,800 ground staff during the pandemic.
Court Questions Qantas' Remorse
- Justice Lee doubted Qantas' remorse because the company later argued workers should get zero compensation.
- That post-ruling stance undermined claims of genuine contrition in the court's view.
Record Fine, Modest Individual Payouts
- The $90 million penalty is the largest ever for a general protections breach and is split between the union and workers.
- The union receives $50 million while the workers share $40 million on top of $120 million in compensation.
