I put together a spreadsheet of the surcharges starting in June of 2007 through June 2012 a while ago (I was pissed off at the April 2012 increases).  I then charted the fuel charges against the cost of jet fuel in USD and then also factored in the USD to AUD exchange rate.  My nuymbers...

I just checked award availability (or to even book) the new MEL flights and dont see anything - how long does it usually take until they're in the system?