With VA, they don't operate any lounge they are fully outsourced. The only Virgin staff are on the reception desk. You'll see the operator name on the entry door.
QF's issue is that their loyalty base isn't the airline, its the frequent flyer program which is turn is for lounge access so their lounges tend to be overcrowded.
I think what's maybe not so clear or in my opinion who pays for them. Really if you're flying business class, Virgin Australia pays for entry. If you're getting in via Velocity or a partner airline Velocity pays. Though I'd imagine a bit of a complex model and it's really Virgin Australia, so it's a race to the bottom in terms of operational cost.
