Hi there Annabella,
Welcome to ECN. [Linked Image]
I can't speak for Australia, but we use the same plug configuration here in New Zealand.
Lighting and socket-outlet circuits here are derived from 2 seperate circuits, sure lamps could be plugged into the wall socket in a Lounge here.
Over here, the use of a 1.5mm2 cable to supply a 15A circuit would be frowned upon and the minimum here would be 2.5mm2.
Although a length of 1.5mm2 will carry 15A, if it was of any great length, it would overheat because of voltage drop.
Hope this helps. [Linked Image]
By the way,
Here is a 15A double switched socket-outlet, and yes we do require switches on our sockets here.
[Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by Trumpy (edited 10-01-2005).]