Why would the gov't care how many hours one has when they go to Australia for training? Wouldn't it only matter how many hours they have when they finish and go to Hong Kong to work? I would think people with close to 150+ hours will be surpassed 250 that when finished. Seems odd they would change the minimum for eligibility into the programme itself.
The rule has to do with hiring "Skilled" or "Unskilled" labourers by a Hong Kong company.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department (IMMD) has a rule that states (in laymen's terms):
If a company wants to hire a "skilled" labourer, they must first search in Hong Kong, but if no such skilled worker can be found in Hong Kong, then they are allowed to hire from abroad.
If a company wants to hire an "unskilled" labourer, then they can ONLY hire a permanent Hong Kong resident (since they are going to have to train the person anyway).
Now recently the IMMD have stated that any pilot with less than 250 hours is "unskilled" and can therefore only be hired if he/she is a permanent Hong Kong resident.
This requirement is looked at when the person is hired by the company, i.e. BEFORE going to Adelaide.
So, in summary, the entry requirements has not been changed by CX, but by the Government of Hong Kong. (Actually, CX is still trying to get this rule changed back so that anyone can join, but it is unlikely that the IMMD will change their minds).
Hope this makes it clear.
Regards
PP