G'day RENURPP, Clarrie,
Ah, this old one! Visual approach is a funny one. Is it a level instruction? Is it a tracking instruction? I reckon if the answer to either is yes, then it constitutes a readback. My opinion only. Honestly though, I wouldn't go chasing it unless there was some other qualifier like 'cleared VSA, enter and maintain downwind' or 'not below 1000 until on final' etc etc. Thoughts?
Now, an expectation of an ILS, well, that is definitely not a readback.
In my experience of both civil and military ATC, I find that RAAF ATCs are far more pedantic with their readbacks, and as suggested by RENURPP, often ask for ones that are not required. However, I find some civil controllers will let some readbacks slip than I would have expected to be chased up (not the majority of controllers, I might add). What's worse? Don't know.
Anyway, hope all is well in the Territory. Hope to visit some time soon.
Cheers,
NFR.
RENURPP - check your email.