I'm positive that the old syllabus required 2 hours IF for a restricted PPL and an additional 3 hours for an unrestricted PPL for a total of 5 hours.
Being positive is good - but being correct is betterer! (Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like a smartarse!)
I looked up my log book - I had 3 h 10 min IF when I fronted the infamous John Bally for my RPPL test, and did another 2 hr as Nav V: IF for my UPPL.
I have no idea what the current requirement is!
5 hrs is actually quite a lot of IF training - I only did about 30 min of basic refresher before starting my CIR.
Why do you think CASA changed it?
Dunno - pressure from sausage factories? Seems like a really stupid move to me. It was actually increased back in the late 60's/early 70's because of the very issue being discussed here!
Dr 