Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has defended companies' right to speak out on social issues after immigration minister Peter Dutton told business leaders to keep out of the debate on marriage equality.
Mr Joyce, who was singled out for criticism by Mr Dutton at the weekend, said on Tuesday that more open societies attract better talent, which stacked up to an economic argument for equal rights.
"Qantas (and its CEO) are often called on to speak publicly on issues like company tax, industrial relations and trade. And we do. Because these are important issues that ultimately shape what kind of society we live in (which is the point of economics, right?)," Mr Joyce wrote in an open letter on the Qantas website.
"We're pleased to include marriage equality on the list."
Mr Dutton named Mr Joyce when he told the Liberal National Party's state council meeting in Cairns that business leaders should "stick to their knitting" and not use their position as a platform to advocate for marriage rights to be extended beyond traditional couples.
Mr Joyce countered that Australia is the land of fair go, which is why Qantas, which has "the Spirit of Australia" as its slogan, had spoken up on gender equality, indigenous rights and now marriage equality.
He said polls showed that the majority of Australians - Qantas shareholders, customers and employees among them - back marriage equality.
Mr Joyce did agree with Mr Dutton on one point: that companies' primary obligation is to their shareholders.
"To do that, you're automatically part of the community you operate in. Society is your customer base," Mr Joyce wrote.
"And just because there is money changing hands doesn't mean it is only ever an economic transaction."
