I'm generally happy with work at CX (have a base which makes a huge difference to QOL), and don't agree with all the vitriol that certain people carry on with, however:
In my opinion, any pilot on HKPA (SO and FO) who has an Aussie passport and has not applied for QF needs their head read, and deserves everything they have coming to them here at CX. Waiting for 1000hrs PICUS is only useful if you want to be a contract pilot for the rest of your life. Think of your end game: a descent paying job, a good size home you own, happy partner and kids getting a good education and their own national identity.
You will not get all that in HK. (Sure, Command salary in 20yrs may pay the bills). Here's your opportunity to get into a Legacy airline in your home country. It may NEVER happen again (or for a very long time)
I have friends in QF as SO's earning over $200,000AUD (might not be the norm, but it happens).