I personally know at least one
VB pilot who is coming up for their command in the next month who never did the Australin ATPL subjects. They did the U.S. route.
I am not taking anything away from the person concerned. They fly very well and doing/not doing the subjects has nothing to do with their capability. I am sure they will pass their command with flying colours.
The person concerned originally got the job because they have the right connections.
The point is as with many/most airlines today, you must jump through the hoops, be lucky that your resume falls on the right desk or best of all have the connections.
Don't despair for the people who feel they are on the outside. We all fell this way at some time. Patience is a virtue, nothing happens overnight and be kind to the people you meet on the way up as you always meet them again on the way down.