Gas heater repairs

I have an old vulcan heater which needs a new thermostat. I had a heater guy come around to repair it who promptly turned off the gas to the heater, refused to repair the thermostat and quoted $800 to repair some small cracks, that I would describe as a small step above hairline, in the top part of the heater behind the upper grill. He said this was all part of a legal obligation he has regarding carbon monoxide fumes. I'm in Victoria.

Is this for real? Should I get a second opinion?

Cheers.


More...