The English language and literacy skills plus the math and science knowledge and skill for an ATPL are equivalent if not superior to yr 12.
What a load of bull$h!t. I really find it hard to believe that people out there that come up with such nonsense statements but there you go. Year 12 has been a Qantas requirement for years now, and an HSC has been regarded as the minimum standard of education in this country for at least twenty years.
For the older pilots that grew up in an era when year 12 was the exception rather than the rule (and we're talking guys no younger than in their 40's here) then I certainly feel for you, but there are alternatives out there both in terms of choice of employers and choice in courses if you want meet the minimum requirement.
BTW
triathlon, HSC with passes in maths and english does not equal academia.