There is no skill shortage. Over the last few years QF has made redundant over a thousand experienced LAMES and AMES. Most got out of aviation industry all together because of declining terms and conditions.
If they increased those terms and conditions then you would probably find that many of them would gladly return.
There is a shortage of experienced LAMES across the world and the money that is on offer here is not going to attract anyone (especially when so many people within the industry are bad mouthing their own companies).
I agree with Shockwave you will get people from overseas who will come for the lifestyle but with the money on offer they will only attract the dregs.