Dear Kamee79,
yes, I landed last year july with family (2kids) and landing experience was very smooth and we completed every thing in 25min.
Well, as far as your family circumstances are concerned you have to make a bold decision, but my suggestion is you bring your family here with you and complete your landing for PR cards. Atleast make things sure for those with issued visa.
Well, there are multiple ways to bring or sponsor your parents i.e permanent residence application, super visa application or even visit visa application, but every thing need time to conclude.
Well, I am confident and pretty sure that one can sponsor parents for short visa, if have sold/valid reason to visit. you does not need to wait for a year or tax assessment. I know one person in this forum and one my friend (at job) sponsor his mother.
Jobs......alot of survival job and if you have 2 or more kids they will help you to survive too...
Hope it will help you to take decision........
Regards