That's pretty much what's required down here too, I don't know what qualification is required of the inspectors, but they basically advise what is required for the car to meet ADR's/remain legal.
As far as I know its at least similar, you go see someone and you pay them money to certify that the work done is compliant with whatever it needs to be compliant with. I guess it just comes down to if there is any differences in the relevant legislation?
Oh yeah, and how much of a prick VicRoads want to be...
I've factored the cost of engineering in to my budget, I just want to make sure I'm not spending that money when I don't have to...