If you google the rates for bricklayers in Vic you will find he wasn't being completely honest. The going rate is between $21 - $31 per hour regardless of years experience.
I don't think that rate takes into conderation sub contracting.
I wonder if he is paying his workers the correct wage?.
A qualified bricklayer and a Labourer are two very different things.
I know plenty of labourers who are lucky to take home much more than $15 per hour.
Tashas quote of $18 odd per hour before tax sounds about right for an inexperienced Labourer.