The only bit I disagree with here is that they SHOULD have gotten that priority when they declared minimum fuel- it's ATC that need to be held to the public flame for turning a nothing into a circus.
Agreed, but if it's consistent around the world (and I don't know that it is?) then there's no ambiguity with foreign crew operating into Australia. Or Australian crews operating overseas. I personally think that the use of the word 'mayday' in this instance is over the top, but it's the only word that will grant the crew the priority it requires.