I just wish the Australian government allowed those who want to leave to deposit some sort of bond (refundable after 12 months) to cover any quarantine costs if indeed a return occured.
We are a family of 4, all dual citizens of the USA / Australia. Our family home is in the USA and always has been. Our kids go to online school from the USA and we lodge our tax returns in the USA and Australia as required by law. We normally spend a year in the USA and a year in Australia switching back and fouth. I normally fly across the pond monthly to atend to our American home or Australian fishing, camping and lifestyle stuff. It is just how our life style is. We hold USA / Australian drivers licenses, bank accounts, insurance etc. Essentially, we have two homes, two countries but one life. We never bought a house in Australia as we consider rents in Australia a bargain compared to purchasing a home. The kids want to go on their field trips and summer camps with their American friends and the elderly portion of our family are all in the USA (grand parents).
All of the above would not be considered "essential" in the eyes of Australian Immigration under the Quarantine Act to issue a waiver so we could leave. I promise not to return anytime soon is all I can offer.
How do Australians get permission to Migrate during this pandemic? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2019 298,000 Australians left Australia to live overseas - are they stopped now as well?