I saw that website too and thought it was in reference to the first batch of MPL-holder wannabes only. Also think it was a number of years ago.
Your warning about conversion to a full (unfrozen) ATPL is noted though two of the FTO's I've found (I hope I'm using the right terminology here) that offer MPL state you convert to ATPL upon completion of the 1500 hours flight time with the partner airline.
However, those FTO's were in the U.A.E and UK. Perhaps CASA thinks different?