Just another sign that Australia is being dragged (kicking and screaming) into LAST century!
The scene in Europe has for many years been either young guns being sponsored through, or "Second Career" guys self-funding.
For anyone but the major airlines, the second group are attractive employees as they are more mature, stable, and once established with a job and a base, less likely to want to move as they have family ties and commitments.
As for it being "Scary", don't worry about it Rawhammer, the way it's going there are plenty of opportunities for all. And whilst the older guys will find satisfying careers in regionals and the local jet operators, it is the likes of you who will be flying the heavy metal to (and, if you want, from) the exotic locals.