djwarchild,
I know people are concerned about rocking the boat and having their file put at the bottom of the tray but it looks as if you have nothing to lose by asking some pointed questions of the recruiting centre. Remember its your tax money (or parents) that the goverment is throwing at the civilian organisation that is running recruiting. If you have no joy there approach PSA or your local member (they love to get noticed).
Given the amount of info on this site everyone should be aware that if there are no issues it should take no more than six months to have your dossier sent to PSA. 18 months is ridiculous. You need an answer as to why.
Regarding the ADF not wanting people due to lack of money, maybe so but why would that change your desire to get in. They will always need new blood until we stop having an ADF. Given the developments happening in our region I don't see this happening.