Thanks very much for your reply!
Unfortunately these tickets were booked rather far in advance(ticketed now as Qantas flight 4544 I believe now), and will probably end up biting the bullet and staying down there, was scheduled to commute every other day(with winterfest coming up and all), but with a track record and potential for meltdown, think money saved from flights could be put the well use at a local pub and a nice hotel room.
Only 5 months to go before our domestic contract with Qantas ends, and then its off to Air NZ for me. Was even told by one wiseguy from Qantas over the phone that I could expect comparable service to Qantas by Jetstar...all there was to ask was if he meant the delays!
Have fun everyone,
Sorry for hijacking a pilot forum for this!