Why not try and get Leave without pay for some period of time from your present employer and have a go in Aus - if its not for you then no problems.
You may even find your present employer encouraging you to do it and everybody might learn something in the long run. It would also be a good way to see exactly what AsA are offering (ie perm vs contract or AWA).
Most of the English cricket team would come down under given the chance - of course none of them would get a game in our National team - not good enough,
I know Heerlen 2nds could do with some players though ....
(we might take Freddy he's pretty good!)
TT