Hi Karen,
Why doesn't it sound hopeful? I think you have a great chance of moving over here - better than most since Steve is an Australian citizen. This is just the process that we have to do to get here
It took us about 2 years to get the visas to move here, and you do things in steps, whereas you just got a load on info given to you
It is long winded and complicated but it's much easier with an agent, although it's more expensive then too. Once you've been to an expo and had a free consultation with an agent you'll have a much better idea of what to do and whether you really need an agent or not.
Think about why you want to come to Australia since it is a big move, even though Steve is from here originally. It was our reasons why we wanted to move here that kept us going through the process.
Regards,
Karen