Dont worry, your're in good hands with good old CASA in charge.
Went to a a briefing on their new Flight Training and Testing Office. Looks like you might end up doing your initial G3 test with one of them. That might not be a big deal but they did flash up a slide of what I think were estimates of testing fees.. from memory (someone please correct me if I'm wrong... the slide dissappeared very quickly) they were suggesting testing fees that went something like $800 for GFPT, $1000 for a PPL, $480 for a CIR renewal - dread to think what it might be for an initial G3 or CIR. There were of course large gasps from the audience, but CASA seemed to think that they'd looked into this and these fees are all very reasonable.
When things get tight in GA, as they probably will, this kind of cost burden will do not much to encourage young Aussie lads and lasses to lean to fly - or for struggling G3's.
Best of luck Gearup - maybe a brave move, but one thing is for sure. If you don't give it a go, you've got no chance - so go for it!