The bulk of Australia's RPT pilots progressing to an ATPL will have their requirement for MCC training met by their participation in their CAR 217 training and checking organisations programmes which are required under either CAO 82.3 or 82.5 (low or high capacity RPT) to embed such training in accordance with CAAP SMS 3.
There is no need at all for airlines to require an ATPL before hiring. Of course they may ask for you to have the subjects but there is no reason the actual test cannot be done inside their CAR 217 system when needed, i.e as you approach command or cruise relief command.
I understand CASA has been working with all the major operators to check out their own examiners to conduct ATPL tests when needed and that programme is well underway. So maybe you'll see the wording on their pilot recruitment websites change?
As for those who doubt the need for such training at all......sigh
Sherm