What you said here...
Tales of Bullying, overtime, massive, unrealistic compliance expectations, under staffed, under trained, experienced people ignored; and, run by people who, it seems wouldn't know how to do anything but use a company credit card.
Is a nice little summary of some of the major issues.
I haven't worked there for a long time now but I still say with no hesitation that you are safe in Australian skies. Some of the 'minor' stuff which is considered 'unsafe' and dealt with in such a serious manner by ASA, would be simply overlooked in a 'lets get on with it' approach in many other countries.
The Australian ATC system is robust and thorough for all its faults - maybe less so than 5 or so years ago though as there are more holes in the swiss cheese layers than before. But I personally would feel 100% safe travelling and flying there.