I too got told last year by a HR lady with the initials that resemble NH that Brisbane Centre was "overstaffed". I was on a doggo so called the controller on TOPS and when he stopped laughing he told me the truth. He in fact wanted to go to Melb centre on transfer but was unreleasable due to lack of staff. So much for being "overstaffed".
It seems though that HR for ATM are concentrating their efforts on recruiting opposition controllers (ie RAAF) for Melbourne Centre and stating that Brisbane is "not available". Disregarding experienced controllers, whether they be from overseas or the RAAF seems rediculous, but then again it doesnt seem that the college has the capability to train these people anyway, whether it be a "short" course or a normal one.