One ground agent pays a whole $16 per hr & has a very high staff turn over rate. It's little wonder why they win these tenders when there there costs are so low.
Must also remember some of these folks employed by agents can be ex Ansett, or QF blokes who have had little choice than to sign up with these employers or not have a job. So I think to say safety is compromised is a little harsh, yes there are always exceptions, but you can find that everywhere. Just look at the fake engineers directly employed QF.