Wow!!!
I'm gonna have to disagree with pretty much everything!
Who am I? I am an Englishman that has lived all his life in Asia and have watched it change in many ways.
First point, it is sad to see people loose their jobs in ANY country. But, then again Qantas is not placed well to compete with the rise of Asian and Middle East carriers. You are an island that sits on the edge of a continent/anywhere and that continent can do things cheaper and well. Plus you don't get the benefit of attracting the transit Market by being on the edge.
There is not the luxury of a large population to pledge loyalty to the airline. The taxes are insane and the cost of legacy contracts crippling.
If Qantas was in the position of say BA, then there would deffinately be a case for a fight on their own turf. However, Qantas doesn't have an abundance of routes in which it competes with airlines that have the same fancial costs of running an airline in a More Economically Developed Country.
Why did Qantas do so well before... Monopoly, it had always been said that airfares in Oz were ridiculous because of this and it was true. Now regulation has allowed for more competion and that cash cow is long gone and the real world is biting.
Jetstar Asia is a good call! Singapore is a major hub, low tax, well educated work force and yes that Asian market is growing fast. Hence the full Jetstar Asia planes... Which tends to equate to profit! No?
What about the local investors and repatriating of profits?
Local investor, yes there is one to hold the majority, however do you think Qantas can really be that dump not to have this investor sign a contract to act only as a silent shareholder? The 51% is to protect Singapore pride. He would have also signed agreeing to reinvest any dividends back into the company in return for a set finical reward.
Now about repatriating of profit. Singapore is doing its upmost to maintain its imagine of a free market. Imagine if the government hindered the movement of these profits back to Oz? Banks and fancial institutions, whom have gigantic funds base here, would take scare. Therefore the loss of business for Singapore would far out weigh the benefit of holding onto only a hundred million or so.
Protectionism is an Australian word. Why is Emirates and Ethihad being told they can't fly certain direct routes? Apparently they have enough flights, according the government. What about the Opposition's move block imports of NZ apples, EVEN after the World Trade Organisation has ruled a trade block would be illegal?!
In essence, Qantas will always be around, but not as it was! The world and the rules have changed and management are taking unpopular decisions, because the other option is far more disastrous... No Qantas all together... That would be a very sad day!
Change is never popular, accept what is reality. Because history is littered with numerous companies that didn't adapt to a changing world. The good times are gone and it sucks... Look at car maker Rover in the UK did great then sat on its hind sure that things would get better... Bust!
One name... Swissair!????