Really sometimes people can be a little too paranoid and often people go way overboard in overpreparation with all sorts of spare parts and safety gear.
Most outback road trips undertaken by backpackers are on relatively busy routes such as the Great Central Road/Tjukarau Road, Gibb River Road, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track and Strzelecki Track. These roads see a lot of traffic and in good weather (most of the time) can be tackled in virtually any car. Services on these roads (such as petrol stations) as spaced far enough apart to not be a problem for most cars but it is always a good idea to bring along extra petrol just in case.
I always take a little extra petrol and 10 litres of water plus the toolkit and spare tyre that came with my car when I bought it. I've never taken two spare tyres (although it is probably a good idea).
Check with people who have driven the same route about the frequency of services. If services are spaced farther apart than your car's fuel range, then buy a few jerry cans and fill them with petrol before you go.
For the last four to five years I have done a lot of outback driving on some fairly remote tracks and have always been surprised how many other people are doing the same thing.
If you intend driving on one of the more remote tracks (ie. one that is unnamed) then it may be a good idea to leave details with police. However driving on the more remote tracks often requires applying for permits to drive through Aboriginal land, which means that your details are on record anyway.
Rather than excess paranoia, it is probably best to use your common sense. If your car breaks down, runs out of petrol or whatever. Just stay with your car, drink plenty of water and wait for help. Most problems in the outback happen when people leave their car to look for help.
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