Dont complete your CPL in Oz. Your J1 visa wont allow it. It would be cheaper for you to do more in the US too.
Scheduling in the schools is tough but if you get the right instructor who can work the system for you, you can get fast tracked.
The 2 schools mentioned wont take your money up front. They're pay as you go.
Try and talk to current students to see what the situation is like right now and what has been put in place to ease the tensions.