Note-Also posted on QF board as to solicit as many opinions/advice as possible.

I have claimed a 280,000 mile Oneworld award from American that includes numerous QF segments. I am an AA Executive Platinum which equals Oneworld Emerald.
QF called me directly today to advise that 2 of my flights aboard 737-300s from MEL to ASP and back have been downgraded and will not have a 2 class service but rather just economy. The flight from ASP to AYQ still have business. Too bad the downgrade was not on those short sectors.

Where I was previously confirmed with a ticket issued in U (business award) class I now have to fly economy on these sectors.

While not the end of the world, I would like to know if QF will (or is obligated) to put me on a flight from MEL to AYQ via SYD. The flights still have J (revenue business) but no U seats. This would be necessary round-trip.

AA says it is up to QF.

Any suggestions/comments?

Sorry, I have to agree with AA. There is no obligation to transport you in business if business is no longer offered on the flight.

You might get QF to do the reroute via SYD if you ask very nicely but I sure wouldn't count on it.

EXP just isn't enough status for QF to do this. Most of the ASP J seats sell as J (hence the lack of award inventory) and often at the last minute (particularly at this time of the year!). They might do it for you if you were CL but not for an EXP (or for another route). In any case it is a short flight and the view is worth far more than the J service ... I'd rather have a window seat in Y than an aisle seat in J for this trip (also I'd pick a 146 for their better flight profile).