This matter was raised on this forum some months ago and generated considerable debate.
B772
Pilots cannot certify Return to Service. They may carry out a Flight Manual Inspection but there is no certification from a maintenance perspective
The safety issue of whether
VB or the red rat will be able to remove engineers from the tarmac is still being vigorously debated as part of the Regulatory Reform Program.
VB (and to a great extent QF) are simply trying to jump the gun to set precedent. And , as contrasted with what happens in Regional Centres, they are hell bent on removing the LAME from tarmac - everywhere! If you blokes, as pilots, aren't happy with this then make comment to CASA or your representative body.
The ONLY reason is as tiga first suggested - to save money