Don't know how this got to the media but they are always ready to pounce when it comes to Qantas..
If the report is true, hard to believe in this day and age that it could happen. You would think that the crew whatever their experience could have a civil conversation to sort the situation out.
But I agree with above comments in regard to safety, best to relieve them of duty or at least change the crew as did happen.
Doesn't give the pax much confidence though to hear that those at the sharp end are having disagreements before a 16 hour flight!
There's probably more to this in terms of human factors but best if Q management can sort it internally without the media getting their twisted sway on it.