AVIATION:
The controversial early departure by Alan Joyce as Qantas CEO has focussed attention on the airline’s board of directors and its role in the downward slide of the company’s reputation. The Bug sought and gained an exclusive interview with one of the directors, advertising executive and TV personality Todd Sampson. (main picture)
The Bug: Thanks for agreeing to the interview and for flying to Brisbane to do it.
TS: My pleasure. Sorry for being late. But did you notice I’m wearing a t-shirt?
The Bug: Yes, you are very late actually. What happened?
TS: For this trip I thought I’d try flying Jetstar.
The Bug: Delayed take-off?
TS: No.
The Bug: Oh. So what did happen?
TS: Sorry, I meant “no” as in no take-off.
The Bug: Of course, as soon as you said Jetstar I should have known.
TS: Me too I guess. But did you notice I’m wearing a t-shirt?
The Bug: Umm, yeah I noticed. Now you’ve been a director of Qantas since 2015 and the whole show has just gone downhill in the eyes of most Australians over that period and certainly ever since Alan Joyce became CEO in 2008. How do you view that slide in public approval?
TS: It’s really cool.
The Bug: What? A formerly iconic Australian company sinking so low in public esteem?
TS: No, I mean it’s really cool that I’m wearing a t-shirt.
The Bug: But you get paid close to $240,000 a year as a Qantas director plus whatever share issues you’re entitled to. The other eight non-executive directors get a bucketload of cash and shares as well, and the chair of the board Richard Goyder is paid $658,000. The board’s charter, and I quote from the Qantas annual report is to “instil a culture of acting lawfully, ethically and responsibly” across the company. How would you describe the job you and the board have done when it comes to supervising the running of the airline?
TS: I think it’s pretty good.
The Bug: Really? You think the board has done a good job?
TS: Oh, sorry. I thought we were still talking about my t-shirt.
The Bug: To cite the annual report again, the board is also meant to be “structured to be effective and to add value”. How have you added value to Qantas?
TS: Apart from wearing a t-shirt?
The Bug: Yes.
TS: Hmmmm. Well I am accustomed to working in a team environment.
The Bug: You’re talking about being a panel member on the ABC’s Gruen show aren’t you?
TS: Ummm, yes. Have you noticed I wear a t-shirt on that show?
The Bug: Look I think we’ll end it there.
TS: Thanks. I better get to the airport. My return Jetstar flight is due not to take off very soon and I’ll need to check that the Qantas board secretariat has paid for my seat…
The Bug: I’m sure they….
TS: … belt.
The Bug: Oh!
TS: I’d hate to miss my flight.
The Bug: I’m sure you could cool your heels in the exclusive Qantas Chairman’s Lounge if you miss it.
TS: No, I can’t. I don’t meet the dress code.
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