The Chairman's Lounge

The inside story of how Qantas sold us out

By: Joe Aston

Narrated by: Joe Aston

Shortlisted for the the 2025 Walkley Book Award
Winner of the 2025 ABIA Awards, General Nonfiction Book of the Year
Shortlisted for the 2025 Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year
Shortlisted for 2025 Australian Political Book of the Year

From the must-read journalist on how power, money and influence work in this country, the full story of how one of the nation’s favourite brands brought itself to ground.

Before Covid, both Qantas and its CEO Alan Joyce were flying high, the darlings of customers, staff and investors. After Covid hit, only money mattered – in particular, the company’s share price and extraordinary executive bonuses. Illegally redundant workers, unethical flight credits, abysmal customer service, antique aircraft: these became Qantas’ new brand.

How did things go so badly wrong? Why were customers at the end of the queue? And how did an increasingly autocratic Joyce constantly get his own way, with the Qantas board and with both Liberal and Labor governments, which handed over billions in subsidies and protected lucrative flight routes from foreign competition? For the first time, The Chairman’s Lounge tells the full story of how one company banked the nation’s loyalty and then cashed in on it.

In his celebrated column Rear Window for the Australian Financial Review, Joe Aston’s reporting of the ethical failings of Qantas spurred the early retirement of its CEO and the resignation of its chairman. With fresh interviews and revelations, written in Aston’s trademark swashbuckling style, The Chairman’s Lounge is the definitive account of how Qantas was brought to ground and who did it. It is a parable of our times.

‘A masterclass in investigative journalism … A scathing, unflinching takedown of greed, delusion and a shameless abuse of power, both jaw-dropping and brilliantly incisive’
Adele Ferguson

Critic reviews

'Riveting' (Leigh Sales )

‘A masterclass in investigative journalism and a gripping, must read. Aston's blistering exposé of Qantas is a scathing, unflinching takedown of greed, delusion and a shameless abuse of power, both jaw-dropping and brilliantly incisive.’ (Adele Ferguson)

‘A cracking read … Joe Aston is a once-in-a-generation adornment to business journalism with fearless resolve, razor sharp intellect and remarkable writing skills.’ (Hedley Thomas)

‘Helmets are required for this book, the zingers never stop.’ (Kate McClymont)

'A remarkable corporate tale of how an attempt to turn a crisis into an opportunity backfired spectacularly ... perfect airport reading.' (Financial Times)

Absolute must read for all Australians

This book has stoked my intense dislike for Qantas to a level I didn't think possible. It is apparent that many Australians disgust for our national carrier can be laid squarely at the feet of its apaulingly greedy and amoral former CEO. Joe Aston has managed to make a shameful episode in Australian corporate history a thoroughly entertaining read.

Outstanding accounting of Qantas and storytelling

Just as entertaining as the high quality of journalism. Anyone from a novice to an industry insider can follow the story and make sense of this modern day Shakespearean tragedy.

Amazing Storey - Highly Recomended

Loved every second of this audio book. Out of the hundreds of audiobooks Ive listened too this is easily in the top 3. It should be standard issue for anyone running a large business to learn what happens at the big end of town and our Govt.
Highly Recommended.