Hey Cart Tart
Can't comment on casuals, but historically at least, contract conditions have been as follows (info provided from friends who were contractors in the past for Long Haul):
a) Pay and conditions as per Long Haul Agreement
b) Length of contract not to exceed 12 months. Normally 11 month contract applies.
c) Contract cannot be extended beyond this time - choice by Qantas to either make you permanent or finish the term of contract (and that's that!)
Long Haul have another round of EBA negotiations later this year. Presumeably the issue of offshore labour will rear it's ugly head again (ie. an increase of the current 370 cap). How this will affect our employment (if at all) remains to be seen. Furthermore, QF may seek an extension on the length of time someone spends on a contract.
Who knows what's planned...I just hope we all get what we want! ;->