It makes sense to have another Oz carrier flying the Pacific rather than having overseas carriers ripping the revenue out of our economy.
SQ know that in the near future, aircraft will have the range to fly East Coast Oz to Europe and thus reduce the volume of pax passing through Changi. Singapore's importance as a destination will be reduced as shown with Honolulu when the B747SP (and later the B744's) started flying direct trans Pacific services. SQ needs an Open Skies policy with Oz to ensure that they are able to compete on the Oz - Europe route when the longer range aircraft arrive. EK are in a similar position. Without an Open Skies policy they will have to transit DXB whilst their Oz and European opposition will be able to fly the routes nonstop. This is why they are being so heavy in their lobbying of the Australian government. GB