I haven't read the whole thread here and I'm not sure if its been discussed previously (probably has), but going through this Qantas Academy, chances are you won't get the golden ticket into the Qantas Group upon graduation unless they become desperate again. Assuming you don't, you're then going to be packing your bags and heading up north like many others, except you're going to be going with the Qantas academy on your resume which is not a good look in my opinion. Questions might be asked. Why didn't you make the cut? Will you have the Qantas Workday tab open all day at work checking for the next opening? Seems far better to build a solid foundation in aviation through a neutral entity than a group that specialises in selling hopes and dreams.
As for the Qantas Future Pilot Program, once again it all depends on the current job climate. Last year they were desperate and plenty of opportunities for those who met the requirements. Not so lucky for those going through this year, far fewer places being offered and there's a very real chance that you can spend the 10K on the course at FTA and then be given a "Thanks but no thanks" or if you're "lucky", "Congratulations, you've made it through to the hold file, we'll get in contact if we need you".