So, it seems that the game has changed and even at 5.30am, after a red eye from Perth, that my fellow pax was referring to, he was refused entry at Melbourne.
I would hardly have thought that the lounge would have been very crowded at that time of day.
If I was a QF Club member, I think that I would not be renewing if this is going to be the norm.
Maybe Qantas either needs to increase their lounges capacity or introduce a paid per entry rather than an open door for departing pax only.
I do not know the solution, but it is an another example of the Qantas brand being diminished for me.
http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/qantas-club-members-told-to-keep-walking-when-they-arrive-at-a-destination/news-story/021f74e99262459f10cd7a570d79623e