Also from a quick ferret around the internet, it seems dogs fly regularly in the USA, in the cabin and in the hold. Might be worth seeing if you could get him to America and then fly him from there to Oz.

It seems to me that most people are concerned with trying to find a way to get around the ban on these types of dogs travelling by air, which in my mind is the wrong thing to do. If airlines have banned these breeds from air travel, they have done that for a very good reason, and even if you could find an airline that would take your dog, there would be no way I would consider doing it. Think how you'd feel to begin your new life in Oz with the news that he had died during the flight.
You have 3 viable options;
1: Rehome the dog.
2: Stay in the U.K.
3: Find a way to send him by sea.

The time and trouble you have spent on this matter Louie, is VERY kind indeed. I have been thinking along the same lines as you, i.e via the USA.

The bare truth though im afraid, is as anawanahuanana quite correctly states.
The welfare of Mac is paramount, not my feelings!

I have a bit of time to wrestle with this dilemma, so i will take my time and let fate take care of the future as it always does.

Many thanks to everyone who has tried to help with their kind thoughts,words and ideas.

Julian