Agree on the quality of life but I have to disagree on the salaries, SnackDog. I mean, granted I don't know any engineers, but I know many in other field/occupations and nobody makes even close to that. $400k?? Even those in the mining industry who get paid ridiculous sums of money don't make that (I know some of them too). My husband is in IT here in the states and makes more than he could make in Brisbane, which is only slightly lower than what he would make in Sydney. He checks often.
I'd be interested to know where you got your information. I mean, geez, if that were the case, people in Australia would be falling all over themselves to become engineers.
But, yes...quality of life....you are too right about that. It's a superb place to live...and visit.