I realise that 43K back in 92 was a lot of money, but the STANDARD rate of pay in Cairns alone is very similar and isn't a great deal of money. You can earn triple the award driving truck unqualified in a mine if you'd like (this is the choice). I personally am very happy with what I am currently paid, but if I'd said can I please have the award wage back when working on a station was considered a privileged job, the owner would have told me where to go.... This wasn't directed at you bushy either. The award rate for a graduate architect is quite poor too. As was said, it's a choice, you can either accept getting paid peanuts or not have a job. Bills still need to get paid.