The only regular workings in Australia where locomotives are propelling
are V/Line Ps, the XPT and bulk mineral trains. The Ps and XPT were
designed specifically for this and the mineral trains have locotrol.
Obviously the 80s weren't designed with this in mind. It was stated that
the 80 in question only had one coupler, otherwise it would have been dead
attached behind the other locos.
Cheers
David