The whole thing could be a crock, but I do dispute Irene Kings' assertion that it takes several years to train a jet pilot.
Only in Australia and NZ are pilots brainwashed into thinking that they need to have 2500hrs plus to be 'experienced enough' or worthy to fly a Dash/Saab etc, let alone a jet.
I spent my first 2 years flying in the bush back home, but now that I am in the UK, I see 250 hr guys going straight onto heavy jets. And given a decent competant individual and solid line training there is absolutely no problem.
The idea that a pilot has to spend several years 'training' to fly a jet is rubbish. Perhaps if she said that supply and demand dictates several years experience, that would be more accurate.
As for the chances of a pilot shortage, I will believe it when Robyn Hind calls me in the UK begging me to come home for an interview.
cheers all.