Nobody has yet addressed the underlying problem that you need to have a functioning GA sector to provide the 1500 hrs min. The GA sector in Australia is fairly limited (and poorly paid.
Perhaps there needs to be more incentives by way of infrastructure/facilities such as common user terminals at small airports - to enourage the sector.
There needs to be a clearer progression for guys to get the 1500 hrs and then move up - perhaps the airlines should be forced to partner with charter/tourism operators - push the training standards down from the top to improve the bottom? Airlines provide check and training for smaller operators...