MQM can be earned by any flights, DL, Skyteam, or partner, towards the DL Status Challenge. It's only if you are trying to qualify on MQS that the flights need to be on DL metal. So let's put that to bed and not cause unnecessary confusion.
MQMs, MQSs and MQDs may also be earned on partner airline flights that are eligible to earn MQMs, MQSs and MQDs
In terms of the original post, yes Europe-Australia is a tough route for DL miles earning. It isn't because of a lack of Skyteam options, in fact 6 Skyteam airlines fly to Australia besides DL (Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, China Airlines, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Air). But earning on most of these partners is not great (KE is good now but they only fly to SYD, and ICN is a bit out of the way from Europe).
If you really want upgrade options, you gotta fly KLM. You can take KLM as far as DPS, but the SIN-DPS leg might not be worth the trouble.
I do NOT recommend flying the EY codeshare on a KLM ticket. First of all, if you are going to the trouble to upgrade, AMS-AUH is too short of a flight. There's almost no point if you fly 15 hours in Y afterwards. AUH is a crappy airport to connect in, and the EY 777 & 787 are a cramped mess. I've flown them both once. Never again, at least not long-haul. You might have it in your head that EY is a luxury airline... it is not the case in Y. If you can fly the EY A380, it isn't bad, but I don't think they fly it to MEL anymore.
Europe-Hong Kong is a highly competitive market, with prices often being quite low (even for J). You might consider flying KLM to HKG round trip, then VA HKG-MEL. This is the best balance of a single connection, MQM earning, and decent aircraft (well, the VA aircraft is nice. Not sure what KLM fly to HKG these days, but if you get the upgrade it'll be nice obviously). You can't do this on one ticket, but give yourself a half-day in HKG each way and it's a nice break from flying.