Looks like a sign of the times although at this stage the changes are only on selected routes http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/...014090,00.html

"The unusual move affects three long-haul routes – Sydney-Buenos Aires, Sydney-San Francisco and Melbourne-Hong Kong-London between July 6 and October 31, reports The Australian"

"A Qantas spokeswoman confirmed the airline had targeted the three routes because there was no demand for its first-class product. She said the airline would review the situation in October and hoped it would be able to reinstate the service in November."