Victor Two
I think generally things are pretty good in OZ at the moment. It is hard to know from a pilots point of view whether this is more a combination of seasonal factors or a general industry upturn. As a freelance/contractor light turbine pilot there has been plenty of work in the last year. Even with the lack of fire work I've done about 800 hours contract work in the last 12 months in various parts of Australia.
I think also there has been a lot of movement within the industry recently. Lots of job adds (Although not all legit). From what I have seen pilots MAYBE getting their second job, ie.. getting out of the bush, a little earlier than they were a few years ago as well.
The top end companies are having much more trouble this year getting the 1000-1500 hour pilots to come up and work in the remote areas for crap money.
All that said I don't think too many pilots are holding their breath for more money or better conditions just yet.