CaptCloudBuster,
The J lounge in LAX is not exactly suddenly 'new'. It had been planned for many years as part of the TBIT renovations - and is a shared oneworld lounge, although Qantas has led its design and development, and is being staffed by Sofitel, like other Qantas lounges.
A further new F lounge will open in 2015.
Qantas Los Angeles LAX business lounge - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller
The old LAX lounge was way too small, getting pretty rundown and had horrible WiFi - so this new lounge was very much needed - star alliance, Korean/skyteam and Emirates also have brand new lounges in the TBIT terminal...
On a move you might however applaud - Qantas has done away with Chauffer Drive on services to/from the United States
Qantas axes chauffeur drive service for Los Angeles, Dallas flights - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller
citing 'low demand'....
Funnily enough they don't have the same 'low demand' on Dubai/London services, perhaps 'low competition' might be more like it.