Aircraft engineers are the most underpaid more buggers in the world, in my humble opinion, especially with CASA breathing down your neck and the the Australian legal system.
mmmm, and what evidence do you have for this spurious statement?
HP is paying in the order of AU$75,000 as base pay for dual airframe engine licence.
Helicopter engineers are being paid 80,000 to 100,000 on shore and up to 140,000 offshore on tour basis.
CASA Australia is only doing it's job, certify for the work correctly and you will be left alone.
I haven't had dealings with Aust courts over maintenance matters, what is your experience that makes you fear them?
Cheers
BH