The obvious objective is either to shake down the Government or sell Qantas domestic to a New York hedge fund, however the government and Australian public are now thoroughly aroused.
Abbott would not have revealed the Three billion request unless he was heartily sick of QF. The way such matters are normally approached is via the back door so the request is never even presented unless you already know it will be approved, that saves all parties embarrassment. So either tony got pissed off or Olivia is out of the picture.
However,,as of today, Joyce and his board have zero credibility with anyone.