QANTAS boss Alan Joyce has been praised for his support for marriage equality.

Joyce has been placed at the top of an international list of the most influential LGBT business leaders, with his vocal support for marriage equality being highlighted.

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Networking group OUTstanding and The Financial Times compile the annual list recognising positive LGBT role models in business.

“In the past year I’ve worked hard to drive changes in my own workplace and indeed my own country,” Mr Joyce said.

While Joyce signed QANTAS up as a supporter of Australian Marriage Equality, he also encouraged hundred of other businesses to get involved in the campaign.

Joyce also made a substantial personal financial contribution to the campaign as Australia’s government rolled out a national opt-in postal survey on the issue.

The business leader was assaulted while giving a speech in Perth earlier this year by a man opposed to marriage equality. Perth man, Tony Overheau hid backstage at an event Joyce was speaking at before taking to the stage and planting a lemon meringue pie in the business leader’s face.

Joyce was also given Australia’s highest civilian order earlier this year, the Companion of the Order of Australia.

The CEO’s support for marriage equality was criticised earlier this year by Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, who said business leaders should not get involved in political issues and should instead “stick to their knitting”.

OIP Staff