The restricted PPL and GFPT are not the same thing. the GFPT is an optional flight test which, when passed, allows the student pilot to carry passengers in the training area and go for 15hours/90 days between dual checks instead of 3 hours/30 days. The holder is still a student pilot and as such is under the direct supervision of an instructor. The restricted PPL was a licence holder who was subject to area restirctions and not requiring direct supervision by an instructor. The dual check requirements were a BFR every two years. A GFPT should be achievable in 25 hours or so.
It is quite possible to get a well prepared and motivated student through the Aus PPL syllabus in minimum time. Our record holder was 40.2 hours. 45-55 is average. it takes a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of the instructor and student, and no mucking around changing instructors. The trick is to teach them good habits from lesson one, that way you can save hours of needless circuits trying to break bad habits later on.
To remove the restriction on a PPL yes rquires a minimum of five hours solo cross country. But it also requires them to reach a certain standard, and allowing about 20 hours of dual and solo cross country training would be reasonable.