Trying to discuss this with an Air Traffic Controller is futile. It seems that most are more concerned with protecting the status quo. It's always the same old line about staff shortages but notice how the staff shortage discussion went dead quiet once the payrise deal went through...coincidence?
That staff shortage line is old and tired and if it was really such an issue then your union would have continued the statistics on their website (they were no longer updated when the pay deal went through).
I am sure that Australian controllers are excellent controllers but maybe are not the experts that they think they are when it comes to airspace change. I'm not saying that Dick is the main expert - in fact, he is trying to find someone who could be, and I say well done for that.