If you are having trouble getting the AA code share on the QF flights transPacific consider going through Asia and using AA from NRT to the USA. Then invoking the "no-stopover" rules for travel back to Oz. Besides if you're in the eastern states it's more miles.
ie SWP-SEAsia-NA-(optSA)-Europe-SWP
You'll probably need the AA code shares or the Asia AA flights to convince AA to issue the ticket - which will save you "tax" dollars.
Happy wandering
Fred