Thanks for all the replies guys.
I have applied for the RAAF and other services as well, I am currently undergoing the ADF recruitment process but the aero jobs are all closed at the moment.
I hoping that by the time I get to my Officer selection board, a few opportunities will have opened up.
Since posting I have been talking to training organisations about "pre-voc" courses and subsequent ways to become a LAME. It has become apparent that a maintenance job after an apprenticeship is almost 5 to 6 years away!
philw492 thank you for sharing your post. I had read it some time ago and it was what prompted me to get some opinions from people down under. Thank you for those pointers I will definitely have a look into them.