gday ed, sorry to hear that you couldn't get your visa... and I can understand why you would want to come work over here. It is going to be a hot summer though, so maybe its best if you wait 6 months until it cools down.
. I don't know if you realise, but in Australia we have to do a 4 year apprenticeship with **** loads of college before we are quallified tradesmen, so I think that the tougher entry criteria is fair. So where abouts were you looking to work in aus? the Gold Coast is the nicest place that i can imagine working over here... it has a real holiday atmosphere even when your workin your ass off. anyway, good luck with your applications.