I know the HA captains were not happy with their lot, being employed by HA whilst other captains were employed directly by Esso and getting a better deal. There has been a turnover not usually seen before down under there, and rumored that Esso not too happy with the contractor. This may well be an exercise to allow the contract pilots apply for staff positions in order to stop the bickering with two different pay schemes for the same job. Some retirements coming up next year I hear.