@letsgofishing This is what I've been trying to say. These problems are not limited only to Cathay, but most large airlines worldwide. Virtually all the American airlines have had to enter some form of Bankrupcy and subsequently merge with one and other (Continental+United etc), so the problem with money is not something that only Cathay face.
Again, the prospect of free training in 61 weeks as opposed to paying 100kAUD (900kHKD) and having to get hours up over the period of 4-5 years by your own will power and motivation is very appealling to people who have 0 hours.
For myself, my other options are to try for a Jetstar or Virgin Aus. Cadetship, both of which want you to pay 40k upfront+a further 80k that comes out of your salary! QANTAS is out of the question due to their 're-branding.'
Add to that living in an awesome city like HK, with the option to move back to Aus after 5 years makes the program seem a very attractive proposal.