I don't know about the specifics of Qantas, but Austalia's second biggest retailer and the best employer voted 2 years running has free drinks monthly, a massive chrissy bash yearly and 2 yearly/financial yearly as well as the big arse ball each year all on the house, free, nil , nada, zip and partners come on the back of the store paid from pre tax dollars.
I think that the loyalty built from this will save the company in the long run. Think of it this way. If you have a happy employee, they work hard for the company. I suggest that 1 sick day by a 737 captain would cover 5 or so attendances at this party. If this captain was happy, keeping CAR 105 (from memory), minor effect, minor ailment etc in mind, the minor part might just be expanded to exclude the itchy back due 'possible skin condition' and the driver may come to work.
Narrow minded employers deserve what they get.