Given that SQ already operate from Singapore itself through to LA, I don't see that they have much to support their argument to operate SYD - LAX. If it simply wasn't possible for them to operate in the manner in which they do now, then they may have a case to build an argument around.
However, as it stands, and as others have pointed out, SQ opersting SYD-LAX is no more than a cherry picking exercise, with the vast majority of all the profits made on the route to flow back into the coffers in Singapore . Not to mention the lack of any real gain for Autralia in terms of flow on benefits from having an 'open skies' arrangement with Singapore...
