Nickmelb,
Your VQ mates were ex-unit trust holders. Fortunately for us, the FAAA intervened and after many months of negotiations, court visits, etc. we managed to get an EBA the meant the pay went up to approx $36K base plus allowances, etc.
Not the case anymore - thankfully.
As for our Career Progression - we do have an agreement. Details are somewhat fluid (which is probably a good thing right now!).