As I understand the agreement, direct recruiting has always been an option for Australian Airlines... IF too few QF pilots (ie AIPA members) apply for the advertised vacancies.
So the $64 question is; 'How many want to go to Cairns and fly for Aust. Air. if the current expansion continues?'
My hunch is that, with QF mainline 767 operations winding back, becoming more domestic, and with ex-Ansett crew filling various S/O seats but keen to return to a window, there won't be a shortage of applicants covered by the agreement who will apply; hence, for now, a slim chance of direct recruiting.
Just my assessment, NOT rumour OR fact.