Thanks for the replies fellas - it looks like I will have to pay up. Even if I do the right thing and replace both the pads and clutch plate, I will need to produce a "certificate" proving there are no parts containing asbestos throughout the car! Aussie Border Force/ Customs seem to have taken this to an extreme. Anyone importing a car pre 2000 ish has to prove the asbestos issue!
Apparently, a guy importing an older mustang was slapped $15K AUD to have his engine taken apart, checked and re-assembled at the dock!
Jeez. Not happy but I am literally left with no choice.
Thanks for the replies again - I thought that I could get a "Certificate of Conformity" from Ford but zero chance of that with pre 1997 Ford cars. I am so looking forward to finally owning and driving a Cossie though - a massive tick on the bucket list!