in an aircraft they know nothing about assess the risk of such a venture? They can't.
Technically, they should, if the aircraft is registered, and flying with a valid maintenance release, then there should be no question of the aircrafts airworthiness. its the reason we pay, and CASA licence LAMES, to ensure aircraft are safe. even amateur built, as they have all been inspected, and deemed safe by a LAME or someone approved by CASA, to ensure the aircraft are safe.
Considering the age of the aircraft fleet in Oz, the system seams to work well.. not to many falling out of the sky regularly due to maintenance deficiencies.
as for Pilot abilities, well, the same, or similar system exists, with ATO's etc, but sadly, the training levels vary considerably, and considering the level of accidents caused by pilot error, or more specifically, poor Human factors, such as succumbing to get there itis, or pushing on into weather beyond their skill levels. something is failing in the training regime. are the ATO's of Australia accepting lower levels of pilot skills in passing candidates?
i think these issues should be sorted before burdening community benefiting ops with more red tape... stop the problem at it source.