Originally Posted by RandomPerson
Why does the FAA do it this way, Australia just expects you to comply with STAR altitudes when given "descend 3000 feet" (everywhere else this would mean descend unrestricted)
To second what Growler said, Australia does
not do that. We comply strictly with the ICAO STAR calls and have done for at least 18 months. If there are STAR altitude or speed restrictions ahead, you'll get "descend via the Star to 3000". If there are no STAR restrictions ahead, you'll get what Poldek quoted.