It does seem a little weird that the reason was no QF flights available. And to argue that it was cheaper to charter a plane than take a company one offline is just a red herring.
Take the earlier flight! So what if you get in an hour or two before your meeting.
Guanty, your point on the Oil companies is an entirely different scenario and can't even be compared.
Hardly a dumb beat up considering the current cost cutting exercise. For those affected, this sort of practise is upsetting.