As someone gladly flying back in OZ after many years overseas (post 2001) I have to admit I have met plenty of Ozzies living and flying permanently overseas, so aren't we being just a little bit hypocritical here?
Also lets not forget OZ is an immigrant nation. We or our parents or grandparents etc all came here and got jobs at one stage or another...
I for one would rather have a yarpy pilot fulfilling DIMA's immigration goals thans many of the others I see us taking in these days... At least they are a positive and skilled bunch - adding something to our community!
The simple fact is we are short of experienced & type rated guys and our employers are too tight to pay for training or to pay enough $$$ to bring other Ozzies home from the sand pit etc. That should be the focus of any lobbying, not victimising 457 visa holders... (IMHO)