Whissper,
I understand the situation you find yourself in. Why dont you sit the CAR 31 basic exams? I would imagine you would breeze them in with a little study having recently completed the EASA exams and the AA course.
Unfortunately this industry is no longer what it used to be, and you have to make it work for you.
You will find that this will continue throughout your career, especially if you secure employment with Qantas as an apprentice. From what I understand they no longer train AME's to LAME status (not much anyway) so you would be looking at having to self fund your type training and even then they more than likely wont recognize you as a LAME and keep you as an AME.
The point is this industry is not going to get any better for you, and it is a bastard for people in your situation.
If you do decide to stick with it (and I hope you do) it will be worth it for you once you do actualy obtain your first licence.
GB