Do a search for MayFly135. Former USAF pilot, married to an Aussie. He did the FAA to Aussie ATPL conversion and detailed the costs and time for his conversion. As I recall it was very expensive and time consuming. Also getting his right to work was extremely difficult as well. Seems the Aussies make it very difficult even for spouses of Aussies. I believe in the end he was commuting to India(?) for work.

Marry a Kiwi like I did. Still not easy but much better then the Aussie system.

Cheers,
Tweet