Even if this did become a reality I would imagine first choice for Australian bases would be given to already employed pilots.
Wouldnt that reduce the efficacy of the policy? Ie why fill it up with pilots you already have access to if your goal is to get more pilots flying your metal? I think a more likely strategy would be to drip feed the ME based Ausi’s home at juuuuust the right rate to keep them onboard while still attracting Rex, Bonza, Jetstar and Virgin pilots to join up. I’d say two newbies for every Australian who moves back from the desert.
I suspect this is driven by the competition for ME pilots with RX starting up. They have 39 787’s on order and I doubt they’ll be short of cash.