From what I can see it's the right of abode thing. The points do drop off a fair bit as you get older. The cut off is 44 (ie be under 45 years) if you're going out on a skills based visa. So I would crack on with the application.
If you have a close relo that will sponsor you then it isn't as much of a problem.
You'd have to scratch around the Dept of
Immigration to get all the facts.
You've got the licence so that is one hurdle sorted.
Good luck.
I believe Virgin Blue and possibly Pacific Blue (NZ based) are recruiting.