PAF
As you have alluded to, there is a cold wind blowing on civy street. Perhaps, conveniently, too cold for you to join us? Far easier to stay in your present comfort zone and draw a pension? Or, as airline managment is unlikely for you despite your jest, CASA has a bit of a boys club for your ilk.
Bringing the ANZAC's into the argument inappropriate, and in the context of the debate, came accross like hiding behind a skirt. Do you really compare flying a Caribou for the United Nations to the exploits of service pilots during WW2, Korea or Vietnam?
Vocal pilot groups fighting to protect their conditions of service is good for the industry. They tend to also stand up to profit saving pressures on issues such as maintenance, airspace and training standards. But you wouldn't know PAF.