Thanks for all the replies.

I am actually now in LAX. After posting I rang up Qantas again and this time got someone that was more helpful. The first guy basically said there was nothing he could do, even though I did tell him I was attending a funeral. But the second time they were more willing to help and put my on QF11 to LAX.

It also looks like they upgraded my ticket to Y (orginally it was L) because I got 90 status credits instead of 45.

Anyway, I'm glad I'm here now... just waiting for my connecting flight to SFO.