The mill owners have already suffered a large number of resignations by FO's on the Aus base; how many more do you think they would get if they closed it (mine for one)? There are also rumours of increasing recruitment in the States. They are flat out crewing flights as it is, not to mention forking out for HKG salary, allowances and housing for those who did come back.
The company now fancies itself as a 'global player'. It is no longer a case of 'wah, we big hong in Hong Kong we do wha' we want'. Nitpicker hit the nail on the head with his post.
Commuting rosters, for those who want them, should be available but not to the detriment of based crew. And I'd certainly be on the hunt for a damned good tax accountant, in Australia at least, if I was a commuter maintaining a house and family in 'Godzone'.