Thanks for the (mostly) useful replies. Just some background info - looking more at NZ than Qantas. There may be long haul F/O slots coming up in a few years but at the moment it still takes quite a time, the F/O slots are for the short haul stuff.
And PF, to use an awful phrase, but apposite "get with the program". After paying to train to NZ ATPL and UK ATPL I am looking to get a return on my investment, as well as see a bit of the world before I finish with flying. Sorry if that doesn't fit in with your 1950's view of the aviation world.