CASA lethargy?
CASA seem to gold plate the simplest of requirements. I recently tried to get the Australian 3 month validation of my EASA/FAA PPL licences to enable me to hire local aircraft during a planned 4 week visit from my UK home. ( I am a UK passport holder and hold valid EASA and FAA MEP/SEP IR)
All went well until I called CASA to check that my paperwork for the application in order.
She asked where I would be flying from, Sunshine Coast. Then you will also require a CASA ID card as its a Comercial airport. As well as the required paperwork, although I was not planning to be in Sydney, I would need to attend an interview there and if all ok they would hope the said ID to be issued in a further 4 weeks or so!
I gave up at that point.