Hi tightturnaround,
Yes you must at least have residency of Australia to be Australian based crew unless you wish to join QF from another base such as AKL, BKK or LON however I cant tell you what the requirements are in those ports. The easiest and quickest way to get in is as a casual employed by an outside company, MAM. You still must have residency at least. You are not employed by Qantas but contracted to work on behalf. Qantas does not have direct entry any more and I cant see that happening again in our life time unfortunately. Casual work means no staff travel, no sick leave, no holiday leave or pay in that effect. You can be guaranteed hours, I think now up to 80 per month and you can ask to work more. Hourly rate is good compared to other casual jobs. Hope this helps.
Virgin Blue and Jetstar still offer full time positions with benefits. Jetstar have transfer rights to Qantas but last I heard the waitlist is quite a few years and thats if you are accepted.