"The shortage isn't here yet..."
Are you serious?
You must have blinkers on or reading the wrong trade journals & jobs pages buddy because EVERYONE is recruiting. Yes including in Australia!
I meet the mins nearly everytime and have been applying to all jet operators advertising since end of Feb and a few select turboprop ones.
I have heard nothing back apart from acknowledgement of receipt.
I know of one operator in Darwin short of 6 pilots and another 20. Planes are up against the fence it is a massive crisis and as said operators will be going broke soon. Even those that can get pilots are losing them within 6 months.
Either they are being too picky, or they are not paying well.