The Fin Review is a little behind the times (or more likely the Oz public have just been kept in the dark).
There have been RAAF aircrew flying the line for Virgin for several months now in preparation of the BBJ arrival. As correctly observed, wages are paid by the taxpayer (Oops I meant RAAF) and the guys fly in RAAF uniform, at no expense to
VB.
The BBJ program has slid right (again) and so the ongoing relationship will continue to be beneficial to both sides. As more crews are required, the Virgin contract will be employed. My source heard that the Virgin contract allows rapid consolidation of flying skills, with several sectors a day, rather than the piece meal approach of the RAAF VIP operating environement.