Rep is correct on this one, join now and you will have an extended career as an FO, join in 6 months or later expect to be an SO for an extended period. Those not at the start of a hiring boom are always disadvantaged here, and the start has definitely gone.
There is no pilot shortage at Qantas mainline, and there never will be. There is a training glut, the system here takes a ridiculous time to train or upgrade, its not that the training is more intense or safer than other airlines it’s just the mainline way , especially in long haul. This takes pilots out of the system for long periods so there is a perceived shortage. When the training slows and it will, hiring will slow dramatically as well, to the point of stagnation again.
Its a great place to work and it’s fantastic seeing new faces but if you are expecting quick progression through the ranks you need to expect to be dissapointed.