The days of the above quoted figures for Qantas are long gone. Now Qantas is experiencing cutbacks, furloughs and many Aussies are now in the sandpit. The tax rates and living expenses in Australia are also some of the highest in the world. There is no chance of progression for the long foreseeable future. LCC mindset has invaded Down under and that ship has long since sailed.
Clog: I agree Cathay is a great place but now they only recruit SOs and at a greatly reduced package in comparison to the A scalers. For those looking for a job the options are better in the mainland than HK currently.