Wiskery, Very true. But where are these pilots that will not work under ****ty T&C's and poor remuneration? If they currently reside in Australia, then one must assume that they are now gainfully employed in other jobs. They are more than likely uncurrent and are not contributing to the profession.
If they are working overseas as pilots, then they are by definition not in Australia, and have no bearing on the local scene.
If there is a whole generation of potential aviators that have failed to take up the profession because of the ****ty T&C's and poor remuneration, then this becomes academic as we may never know just how many of these people may have earned a control seat in a commercial aircraft.
Please don't misunderstand me. I believe there is only one way to garentee the adequate supply of professional aviators into the future. Good T&C's and much improved remuneration. But make no mistake, untill the airline managers in this country come to grips with this fact, all these potential pilots will by and large continue to persue other careers and work for other carriers.
The fact that they may be waiting in the wings is irrelevent. The fact that they are not working as pilots here means that there is a pilot shortage in Australia!