we used an agent and it cost us about £4000 i think (thats fee's to them and to Oz inclusive) there are agents out there that wont charge you if they cant get you in! i used thinkingaustralia who i was pleased with! from submitting the first piece of paper work to getting the offical YES it took about 9 months! i dont know what the wage is for your hubby's trade but here they have what is called an award wage for each job so every job has a different award wage - you could try searching this on the interent for the state you wish to live! if you come on perminant residency visa you can claim family credit / child care help type benefit straight away (provided you qualify)