This is all hearsay but.....
I was told the grand scheme was to create the ACO category to separate remuneration scales. ie put all the categories with no industry drain, like air defence or nav, into the ACO category which is separate to pilot category. And therefore the RAAF can remunerate differently.
This because currently the RAAF has to pay a c130 nav as much as an F/A-18 FCI.
Meanwhile on the surface we are giving them a set of wings and other perks to keep them happy.
I would welcome comment from anyone who has heard or knows different.