It's seniority Soup', but that doesn't present problems, in fact it is the only equitable way. If you are alluding to the fact that the guys/girls that don't have the mins for command are more senior to some that do, then these people are simply bypassed in favour to the first candidates down the ladder that meet the min requirements.
The problem for QFLink, and REX for that matter, is that most of the F/O's do not have the min quals for command. REX have decided to mitgate this problem by simply cutting services ( that's a well thought out plan!!!). How QFLink deal with a similar situation remains to be seen. As in REX's case, the employing of Cadets and low time trainees has not solved this particular issue.
The continuing deletion of G/A, along with the desertion of the profession by young Aussies will ensure this aspect of the pliot shortage remains with us for years to come. IMHO, the only solution now is twofold. Pay the existing Captains a remuneration that will keep them, and when neccesary, employ direct entry Captains from other operators. In order to attract enough of the right people however, the T&C's on offer would have to be superior to their competitors!
Surveillance Australia were facing the wholesale destruction of their Billion dollar + contract. They stepped up with the right deal. Not only have they secured the future of the company, but their crewing crisis had been eliminated once and for all.
The question for QFLink, REX et'al, is who will blink first?