As far as I am aware Scroto, that was and maybe still is the requirement in Oz.
We also had to install liferafts in row 1 of the F28-4000s after removing a 3 seat unit for the NLK flights. Similar had to be carried on the long range F27-500s.
You are right in that the buck rules the brain but Oz has done pretty well being over cautious for the past years.
Best regards
EWL