Since moving overseas 10 years ago, I always tick the box "Visitor or Temporary Entrant", and write in my country of residence, intended length stay in Australia and reason for visiting. I am convinced this is the 100% correct way of completing this form upon entry into Australia.
However last week, for first time, when entering MEL, I was advised by ABF officer that even though I am living overseas, as an Australian passport holder I should tick "Resident Returning to Australia" (Like h#&ll I thought to myself, it is not true) . I did make a comment that I need to for tax, he said no-one ever looks at the cards anyway. That was end of discussion, but I have read both legal advise and case law where the declaration (box ticked) on Incoming Visitor Card has been used as evidence.
I will ignore the ABF officer advice in the future. You can still be a citizen and a visitor at the same time!
However last week, for first time, when entering MEL, I was advised by ABF officer that even though I am living overseas, as an Australian passport holder I should tick "Resident Returning to Australia" (Like h#&ll I thought to myself, it is not true) . I did make a comment that I need to for tax, he said no-one ever looks at the cards anyway. That was end of discussion, but I have read both legal advise and case law where the declaration (box ticked) on Incoming Visitor Card has been used as evidence.
I will ignore the ABF officer advice in the future. You can still be a citizen and a visitor at the same time!