With regards to the Nowra contract they have been short for some time. You have to ask the question why? Money would be the first answer as you can't retain or recruit if people have issues with remuneration. I have spoken to several ex Nowra guys who prefered the work to airline flying but still left. I think the current retention bonuses will be effective for the RAAF given salary levels outside. Not saying everyone will stay but on balance enough will.
Going forward the good deals will be fewer as more guys stay and the competition for promotion much stiffer. Upright and breathing to make WGCDR is a thing of the past.