At least the ability exists for contractors to be offered permanent employment. But like you said Galleyhag, with the impending EBA and offshore crew matters - not entirely positive. Having said that though, never say never!
QF will be undergoing a great deal of change over the next 2 years with additional aircraft, new routes, etc. Whilst nothing overtly positive is in the Q&A, there isn't anything overtly negative either.
I'm not expecting permanent employment - all in all, I've expected contract work (12 mths) for some time. Anything permanent is a bonus! When was the last time QF recruited full time crew off the street? Was it about 4 years ago??
Keep the faith guys - like cloud nine says, it's the last leg that's always the longest!