Another level? I think you’re getting a bit hysterical there.
It wasn’t that long ago, before VA was flying long haul, and QFi was haemorrhaging cash, where it was a very real possibility that there would be no Australian airline flying long haul international services in the future.
This is the very reason the government rules exist, to ensure that foreign airlines are a positive addition to the market, where they operate on our terms, in accordance with our rules.
The government is in control of the air transport agreements that dictate how often airlines can operate to Australia. Qantas can submit its feedback but it is only a consideration. UAE, for example, have allowed much more freedoms for Australian airlines by allowing our airlines to fly onwards to Europe (in addition to generous frequencies from Australia to both DXB and AUH, which historically both QF and VA benefited from). It stands to reason that UAE airlines are recognised and provided with more access to the Australian market. A similar argument can be made for Singapore.
Qatar is very one sided.