Selection for the ‘academy’ (note, it’s NOT a Cadet course) is done external to Qantas by FTA. Whilst there is some advance standing given into the QLink recruitment process (note, QLink recruitment, not mainline recruitment) one still needs to jump through the hoops for QLink to be offered employment.
How many academy and QFPP course have graduated? It would be interesting to know how many of the previous graduates have been offered positions thus far.
Which then begs the question why would you bother? You might has well get cheaper flight training elsewhere and get some experience and apply to QLink (or Rex) under your own steam. Personally I still believe you are still better off playing employers off against each other rather than being locked into one your whole career.