A few points to bear in mind:
1. The reciprocal arrangement with the UK is limited cover only. And it's supposed to cover *visitors* to Australia - accessing the reciprocal healthcare scheme on a long term temporary visa is a really grey area. And as far as I know, if you are eligible under the reciprocal scheme, you still pay the 1.5% Medicare levy even though cover is restricted.
2. It may be a better idea to get a certificate saying you're not eligible for Medicare at all as then you avoid paying the Medicare income tax levy. Check the websites of Medicare and the ATO to find out more on the details.
3. As far as I know the 461 visa has a condition obliging you to have health insurance. Limited Medicare cover is likely not enough.
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4. If you ever apply for a permanent visa (except a parent visa), then under current rules this gives you access to full medicare as soon as you apply if your existing visa is a 461.
I would suggest you look into the details and do the sums.
Private insurance against unemployment may be expensive and restricted. Do the sums to see if it would be better value just to build up your own savings reserve.
Correct. The other way you would lose your 461 visa eligibility in that circumstance is if you started another relationship with a person who was not an Australian citizen, PR or NZ citizen.
Your children when older will of course face the same problems as your wife should they wish to sponsor partners.
Have you got an indefinite returning resident visa?
You would find things a lot easier if you had taken New Zealand citizenship when you lived there.
Be aware that if you have another child in Australia, that child won't be a citizen by birth, but will acquire Australian citizenship automatically at age 10 if he or she lives in Australia until then (irrespective of immigration status).
Correct, but you're paying pretty much the same taxes as Australians with not as many benefits attached. Your temporary status may give a few tax planning opportunities however, which you could discuss with a professional.
Doing a diploma or degree never guarantees anything. But if you choose well, it may help to open doors and even if it doesn't deliver in immigration terms, it might help in other aspects (career etc).
Jeremy
-- This is not intended to be legal or professional advice in any jurisdiction
