Folks,
It has actually got to the situation that for any young person looking at a flying career (or just a PPL , really) it is worthwhile looking at getting an initial license in NZ, US or Canada.
The costs here have gone through the roof, choice is less and less, and for many, the "licence factories" only do a minimum job.
Sure, if you want to convert to an Australian licence, there is some additional expense involved, but I will go so far as to say that, with honorable exceptions, the basic "stick and rudder" grounding you will get in NZ/US/Canada will be, sadly, better than here.
Tootle pip!!