wiz,
there is nothing to presently stop you from flying tom price - roebourne or wiluna - meeka - kalgoorlie.
these routes don't attract an RPT serivce as nobody could possibly make a profit by flying them, there simply wouldn't be the demand.
It is in the WA Government's best interests to ensure the survival of Skywest as opening up to another operator would almost certainly result in a lower level of service for the consumers of many communities who rely on an airline as their vital link to the outside world.
Skywest was travelling quite nicely until the collapse of Ansett, there is every chance that with the new agreement with QF, and some sound management and financial nous that Skywest will find it's feet and return to profitability.
If it doesn't work out then it will be to the detriment of all concerned, the WA govt included as it has money in this and naturally wants to see them succeed