ANZSA,
The differences are important.
1. The Qantas cadet would have made $150,000/year on the 747, not $40,000 a year like the Rex cadet.
2. The Qantas cadet can get a command down the track. Currently, CASA leglislation prevents Rex cadets from EVER holding a command.
Those considering the Rex cadetship, need to ask Rex this exact question:
Q) Are Rex cadets currently able, in any way, to get the 500 hours IFR multi-engine required for command - and how many cadets have achieved command over the last 3 years?
A) The Rex answer will be some mumbling along the lines of "in the future... possible CASA exemption... cadets will start training soon" - translates into... "No, and none".