Some good points made by regular contributors, however there are other positions (i.e. non-airline) that require an ATPL as well.
Given that some of these operators send pilots overseas to obtain a type-rating, and then convert that to an Aussie type-rating, how might these operators help their pilots obtain an ATPL? There are quite a few types for which there are no simulators in this part of the world, and CASA approve type ratings obtained overseas. Did anyone think about this before the rules changed?