Mark,
If the bills of laiding are in your name and the import approvals for these 4 cars are ALL in your name....you basically have to bite the bullit.
If any 1 of the cars are on a seperate bill of laiding and you have a seperate import approval for that 1 car...you can clear that 1 car...if it doesnt have A/C. There is NOTHING stopping you.
This Law/bill was passed in late 2000 and enforced in early 2001. Over past years they have highlighted it even further by not allowing the exporter (me) being able to do it at the point of origin. They now require it be removed by a licensed A/C guy with a certificate or receipt stating that it has been done at this end.
They only ever reqired that, IF, the car had FACTORY A/C. If the car had after market A/C, I could remove the receiver dryer and place it in the glove box. Not any more.
I have a 73 mustang convertible for a member on this site sitting in my driveway here in Florida that has aftermarket A/C that is getting the gas removed today so it can be shipped to Adelaide next week.
It sucks that its now $3000, as it was only $1800 back in December 07. I had better update our website if they are now robbing you for that much.
However, seeing as you have 4 cars, you adviously plan on doing a few cars over time, so claim it as an expense or claim it as your personal tax for some form of future employment training or something....thats your call.
As for the $3000, I can tell you now, there is no way out and by the time you try and find some sort of loop hole, the cars will/may incur storage costs at the dock/port and they would of shut the door on what ever avenue your trying to venture down.
Easiest thing to do...is pay it ;]
It adds a cost of $750 to each of the cars landed.
I know thats not what you are wanting to hear but maybe focus on the ONLY out they have given you as applying for this B/S DEH licesnce may even take some time aswell....and then you have to get the work carried out on top of that......And theres 1-2 weeks in my head..never been in this position.
just a heads up, i dont think you can use anyone elses license if the B/L's and import approval is in your name. the license will have to reflect the B/L's and/or the name on the import approval to be valid.
Here is a link to the DEH website
http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/ Hope that information helps and Im sorry Im the bearer of bad news. If you need any help with anything else, feel free to contact me, my advice is free.
Cheers
Matt
Shermatt International. Florida
www.shermatt.com 
