If Qantas bases pilots in Singapore the ATO would in most circumstances class them as non resident for tax purposes. There are exceptions to this though:
• The 180 day rule. If you spend more than 180 days in Australia (a turn around is classed one day and an overnight is classed two days) you could be classed a resident for tax purposes and/or
• Where your family live. If your family doesn’t follow you to Singapore but decides to reside in Australia, the ATO could rule that you are a resident for tax purposes and/or
• Where your primary residence is. If you own or rent property in Australia but can’t prove you are doing the same in Singapore then the ATO could also rule that you are a resident for tax purposes.
I would suspect the first criteria to be the most problematic for and QF pilot based in Singapore. If anyone is seriously thinking of taking this offer from QF, get some professional tax advice. DO NOT under any circumstances take the word of QF. Living in Singapore which is a very expensive place to live on less money than you could earn in Australia and then having to pay Australian tax could be financially crippling.