Actually, the Europeans do require a flight check for ATPL issue, and have done for many years.
It is built into their line check / base check flight testing structure, so most pilots never have to say "ATPL flight test please". The tiny minority who do it as a private venture have to fit into this structure, privately.
NZ is the same. Only the check captains have to worry about it, as the ATPL paperwork is slightly different from a normal proficiency check. But the line pilot doesn't see much difference between a proficiency check and an ATPL issue test.
Why 2 hours? Think of a combination type rating check and IR renewal (with diversion). That's a bit of an over-simplification, but you get the idea!
Hopefully CASA issue an AC soon to tell industry about acceptable means of compliance with Pt 61.