Yes QF was Government owned. Like CBA, TELSTRA etc.
The Labor Government forgave QF debt before it was privatised. I believe you could call this assistance.
A new airline if you like with no debt. Good deal wouldn’t you agree?
and this happened only a few months later:
the Qantas float proceeded in 1995. The public share offer took place in June and July of that year, with the government receiving A$1.45 billion in proceeds
Yes a very good deal. The government assisted with $1.35 billion and got back $1.45 million less than 6 months later. I don't think VAH could do the same.