Not the first time I've heard of Qantas staff being nasty. Happened to a friend of mine who flew UK-Australia with them and it wasn't just a one off either. Cabin crew, check-in staff and others all seemed to have a problem dealing with the public to the point where he's sworn never to use them again.
Not a knee jerk reaction from a spoiled business traveller or nervous punter, he's aircrew so understands the difficulties they sometimes face.
They really don't help themselves sometimes.