jamesduk-
It us unfortunate what happened to you, in Australia, but it isn't Qantas' fault, they are right to make that statement. As far as they are concerned, you didn't show up to your flight. As a former airline employee, I've heard excuse, after excuse, when people have missed their flights.
The only recommendation I have, is that you may try calling, and talking with Qantas customer service, and offering to fax over a copy of the police report, proving what happened to you. They may refund you the money you had to spend to get on another flight, or at least, provide a voucher for the amount you had to pay, out of a courtesy.
Keep in mind, however, that it truly isn't Qantas' fault, and if their policy is that if you miss a flight, you must pay, than that is their policy, regardless of the circumstances. ALWAYS read the terms of the fare you are purchasing, so that you are aware of what rights you may have, in the event that something like this happens.
Often times people purchase the cheapest possible ticket they can find, and in turn, the cheap fare doesn't offer much protection, if any, if an unforseen event takes place. My advice is to always purchase a refundable ticket. I don't know about Qantas, but at least for U.S. airlines, if your ticket is refundable, they can make changes to it, without paying a change fee, etc. You may pay a little more for the ticket, but refundable is the BEST way to go, since air travel can have it problems, and sometimes, life's events, can happen out of no where.
Now .. I have no idea how much you spent on your ticket, and whether or not it is refundable, or not. I also don't know how foreign airlines operate. In the U.S., at least, people often do not realize that different 'fare rules' apply, depending on the ticket you are purchasing. People never read the fares rules. Always be aware of what you are purshasing, before booking a flight. Know what your choices will be, and what the airline will/will not do for you, in the event something happens, such as a delay, cancellation, or you just miss your flight.
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