Actually, I see what your getting at but Singapore is not a...

Actually, I see what your getting at but Singapore is not a major destination in itself. If Qantas didn't want to refuel at Singapore they could do so at Bangkok, Jakarta, or set up a little airport somewhere else. Singapore has spent a fortune creating a very efficient airport that attracts the worlds airlines and services them. Being a small island it is an important source of income.

That does not give them the right to cherry pick the routes from Australia. Their long term plan was with Air New Zealand to create a strong second force but they blew it when Ansett collapsed.

If they are allowed, with Emirates to compete on all routes willy nilly, then one day we will probably see a Qantas collapse, particularly as Qantas uses predominantly Australian workers on good wages and are tied by a number of government restrictions.