I don't believe it is written in legislation but has been recommended as part of the testing process. I have been advised several times in the past (mainly by PM trainers and electricians) that simulated smoke is the ONLY way to properly test if a smoke alarm is working properly, pushing the button to make the alarm sound does not mean the alarm is working and would respond to smoke.
I've heard that too.
Whilst I think it's great to test alarms (from a PM perspective) I don't think I want to take on that responsibility by saying that it has been tested as working.
Still waiting for the updated legislation to come in re smoke alarms in Vic and really looking forward to having a read through it as I believe it is removing the responsibility from the tenants to change batteries to the landlord.