Duck,
A very long bow to draw parallels to '89, at least IMHO.
From contact with some of the guys still there I get the feeling that they don't give a flying F*@K who comes and works at PX, as many have more important things to consider, ....such as how to get another job and leave the place.
CJ, it does pay better than Centrelink, but at PGK 116,000 (DH8 FO), or PGK 271,000 (DH8 Captain) with PNG tax and superannuation, one could do a lot better elsewhere, and do it in a better atmosphere.
Of course the Fokker salary is a bit better, but being at the mercy of the PGK/AUD exchange rate would be a concern.
Pity the type rating bond is in AUD though.