QANTAS are an issuing body!
Anything written on the back of the card is nothing to do with regulatory requirements. This word "sponsor" is not enshrined in the Act.
Yes some ground staff would have AUS ASICs but not always. They would need to prove the operational need for multiple airports.
I'm not sure where you are getting your information from but as an ASIC agent it's my job to know this stuff. And contrary to what people think, the pittance I get from each card doesn't make up for the minority of people who haven't done any of the training but think they know everything and decide to take it out on the agent. Luckily I have the option to terminate the interview with a belligerent applicant.
I've tried on this thread to explain how the system works, to dispel some of the myths. I try to make the procedure as quick and efficient as possible. That's all.