The 500 cross country requirement slows things up for many (ATPL). I got the CASA CPL but did not sit the exams except for Air Law as far as I recall. My impression was that the CPL check ride in Oz is oriented largely to ability to navigate, no chandelles etc etc.
I would like to know about getting FAA Multi engine and instrument rating recognised by CASA. I did that damned CASA instrument exam years ago (it was probably the DCA or CAA exam at the time!) would obviously prefer not to have to go through that again.