Qantas CEO Alan Joyce backs same-sex marriage

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has thrown his support behind the introduction of same-sex marriage in his adopted home of Australia.

The openly gay Irish-born businessman, who holds dual Irish-Australian citizenship, said a change in law would be an important symbol to young people that "they're not in some way second-class citizens", he told The Age.

"It's really about equality," he was quoted saying. "One of the reasons why I love [Australia] is it's about a fair go."

Mr Joyce and his partner of 15 years, Shane Lloyd, cannot marry in Australia under current laws.

But it could be possible to do so in Ireland soon, if a referendum on the question later this month succeeds, he said.

Mr Joyce also dismissed suggestions his support for a controversial cause could be risky for Qantas.

"I think the fact that we think it is a matter of equality and a fair go, and Qantas stands for that as an Australian brand ... can only enhance our brand," he said.

Mr Joyce will today address a breakfast meeting organised by Australian Marriage Equality about the importance of same-sex marriage to corporate Australia.