Mate,
not having ATPL's or MECIR has absolutley no importance when looking for your first job.
Get the job, then you can write off MECIR on tax. Thats what I did and got all my tax back this year. Not a requirement in order to get the job and you might as well save as much money as you can, because your chances of flying multi IFR in your first 2 years are slim to none.
From personal experience also, found it difficult to complete ATPL'S with no practical experience in the industry whatsoever. Go north and get the experience that you need. You will no doubt have a lot of time to study ATPL's whilst wasting away the day at places like the Bungles.
KNX and Broome both great places to go, and there will be alot of work next year. Don't know where we are going to get newbies from next year. The current climate could not be better for those willing to get off their a$#e and leave sydney, bne and mel in order to get that first job.
