I don't think the Australian government should pay a ransom because once you do that it makes every Ozzie travellor fair game.
In any case, I think Rodwell is resigned to die. In his first "proof of life" video he seemed to be begging people to pay the ransom Now a year down the track in his second "proof of life" video he seems to be saying he trusts noone and he said something like he "doesn't care" I take that to mean he's ready to go.