Partially correct.
Private toll roads (and now the bridge and tunnel) are going fully electronic to improve traffic flow and safety, amongst other reasons (easier billing, less infrastructure to maintain etc..).
the tag itself doesn't cost you anything extra other than the deposit, which you get back, when you give the tag back.
as for how simple/complex a tag is, i wouldn't be able to tell ya as I've never opened one up.
Chubb, the M4 and M5 rebate is a NSW gov't thing.... cos as part of their election campaign a while ago, they said they'd abolish the M4 and M5 tolls, on which they piked and introduced the m4/m5 cashback scheme where only cars registered for private use are able to claim back the tolls (without the GST).
lol... the aliens... they are coming.... I think this is highly dependent on the individual, and not so much a conspiracy, and to object on those grounds when faced with the benefits (faster traffic flow, no granny's fishing for their 5 cent pieces from 50 years ago, no "conscietious objectors" abusing the toll operators while holding up traffic etc..) is rather silly.