Qantas have zero interest in fixing or bettering regional ops in Australia. They will have no interest in another AOC.
I cant remember if it was Strambi or another, however the comment was made that "the Australian regional market will not sustain the capital requirements of new airframes". They had the opportunity a few years ago to take that step however they decided to keep the 717's even when Delta was chomping at the bit to get them.
They dangle the jet carrot to Sunnies and Eastern every few years, then go and acquire dutch ovens that nobody else wants.
This week when Embraer brought the E2 to Australia the smartest men in the room did not even bother to leave Coward St to come for a look when the aircraft was barely a couple km away from them.
Just remember the jet you fly and everything in it is provided by the lowest bidder...….