The good senator may be about to shoot himself in the foot and local pilots in the heads!!
If 1000/1500 hours is mandated as the minimum for FO in RPT jet operations, and there is a distinct lack of those so qualified available in Australia, bearing in mind that a 50+ year old pilot with 10,000 hours instructing or C402 charter ops won't be acceptable, nor will somebody who doesn't fit the psychological profile, or a host of other requirements such as age spread, etc., airlines may find that they MUST turn to recruiting overseas.
Proceed carefully senator.
Let me say it again; politicians often get involved for their own benefit rather than those whom they supposedly represent.