In 2010 Nick Xenophon proposed an amendment to the Qantas Sale Act ensuring that a person with Engineering background and Operational/Pilot background be appointed to the board and this would be written into the Act. Ignored of course by the Minister of "do nothing" Mr Albanese. While the corporate structure of Qantas and the Constitution is written to allow for this it has been proved by the last three CEOs (Strong as well) that this system does not work and it has accelerated exponentially in recent times with a certain Chairman who is a self-confessed aviation novice and both him and the CEO are running roughshod over everyone that has a differing opinion(not unlike in Germany in the 1930s and 40s). This will get worse before it gets better because there is nothing wrong with the IR laws/workers in this land but there is a hell of a lot wrong with Management and Corporate Governance and that will take a while to change.
As for PW he is another example of the sycophant culture that exists at Qantas. Personally I encourage debate as it creates a healthier and more resilient culture/business.The Australian dollar will hit 70c or below in the not to distant future and along with massive unemployment Australians will become competitive and Holden closure will be seen as a stupid decision by a Treasurer who is clearly out of his depth.
Germany is a great example of what can be achieved by having workers represented on the board. Lufthansa is still run by Engineers/Pilots and has broadened it revenue base and while not what it used to be is still Investment grade even through it's costs are double that of Qantas. It has broadened its expertise using it's own name not trying to kill it.