Speaking as a Line Maintenance customer, Australian Labour Rates are very expensive - among the highest in the world. From what you say above, the salaries aren't anything special, therefore the QF overheads must be staggeringly high. I'd say 'walking' was probably your best option. I'd be delighted to put our business with a more efficient service provider and I know for certain there are a few that are currently looking for Mechanical (B1) and Avionics (B2) certifiers.