You don't have to pay for the SAAB endorsement, but you are bonded for 2 years ($15,000 last time I looked).
I guess like most other companies you could commute to Sydney, but you would have to weigh up the costs and additional time wasted in doing so. Their EBA states thet on a reserve day you have to be available to commence work within 2 hrs of getting called - so you may have to be in Sydney to acheive this.
For other conditions check out their EBA on wagenet.
Cheers,
Capt EFIS.