That sounds like overkill. Although I do agree that a test is needed, if only to align with ICAO standards. The "cornflakes packet" ATPL has no place in aviation. The old system of handing it out after a few exams was a bit lax and I am surprised that foreign jurisdictions ever accepted an Aussie ATPL issued on such a basis.
An applicant for the ATPL will already have passed many theory exams , will have an Instrument Rating, and presumably will have acquired some practical experience in the preceding 1500 or so hours as a CPL., will be type rated on the aircraft being used for the test etc etc. Every stage of his/ her progress should have been documented by other testing officers who one would hope, have integrity. Oh , and now, the much needed MCC. So what more meaningful questions need be asked prior to a flight test other than " how would you manage such and such a situation."?
The main difference in the step up to an ATPL should be to assess whether the applicant can MANAGE a complex aircraft in a complex environment.
If an examiner can't determine that in 30 minutes of questions and two hours of flying, the examiner has learned nothing about assessment.