Priapism
You appear to have made a wise choice...well done.
You do however do your noble work :
In one time zone
You are not constrained by quarantine regulations
Your wife can make sandwiches for you to take to work
Prior to the floating of the $A in 1984 allowances were worth nothing.Most CC spent their allowances and half their wages(Hotel cheque encashment)before they arrived home from the trip.
Wages for CC were rubbish.Most of us had a second job.The government floating the dollar made the difference.Just a happy accident.These allowances are closely aligned to the Public service.Those in public employ receive similar disbursements when overseas on duty.
It is very diificult to remove or lower something that has been available for years.
Personally if my wages/conditions are lowered I will work less and spend less.