The author's point is irrelevant. QF have exactly the same private lounge setup. The question for the government is, do they want 10 000+ people made unemployed and have an entire country beholden to QF if it comes down to some form of Government Support?
The only solution to the ensuing monopoly will be to declare Open Skies. However if you hold a Chairman's Lounge Membership will you be really willing to vote for Open Skies domestically?