BuryMe etc.
The short answer is no, in Australia there has never been the equivalent of the common practice in the US. Indeed, in at least two cases of which I am aware, one being United, a major Australian carrier wrote to United, and requested that they, United, desist from the practice for all employees of the Australian carrier.
I am pleased to say that, in my experience, United took no notice at all.
Tootle pip!!