gossmann, the qld state government called for tenders for a five year contract on all subsidised runs 2-3 weeks ago. These are the former FWA runs and now include the gulf routes. Several airlines have replied to the tender. Could your little bird be the Qld Transport Minister who announced it at a press conference after a nationwide media release?
The airlines mentioned by "aviator in the know" (add QFlink to his list) get no payroll tax exemptions, no airservices exemptions, no federal govt debt relief and certainly don't get a $5m line of credit from the Govt. This is the point I think he was making.
Any subsidies for whoever gets the Qld State Govt routes at least come after a tender process for everyone to have a go at.