VS has been trying to get into Aus for years, attempts predating Lauda Air's successful application.
One can only consider BA through QF is the major block, still carrying sh!t on the liver after Bransons successful and very public exposure of their dirty tricks campaign and subsequent winning court case.
CX should not be a player in the block as they operate more 5th freedom services than any other carrier I have seen, so that just leaves the Rat as the alleged mouthpiece.
More interesting times.
EWL