I thought the start was "auto"
The starter latches until 58% N1, but that's all - It's up to the pilot to decide when to put the fuel in, and if you put it in too early then things are going to cook, of course. It's also up to the pilot to cut the fuel off if things aren't going to plan.
BTW, I'm not saying that's what happened in Melbourne. I've only heard about this as a 3rd hand rumour, and had actually heard that it was a problem in a practice autorotation rather than a start. Potential owners keep asking me about the incident, but I have no direct information. Would love to hear from someone who knows what really happened.