Australia's AIR 6000 requirement

The Defense Systems Daily site has a short piece on the Gripen proposal for AIR 6000.

Given the combination of limited combat radius and load carrying capability, this appears to be a long shot and a step backwards. No slight to the Gripen intented, but range is already an issue with the current F-18A/B.

Is there any circumstance where the Gripen might fit Australia’s needs (short of ringing the continent with small forward bases)? Seems to me that there are few details available on the operational details of the Gripen beyond whatever talents in air superiority it has in a European enviornment.

Regards