I've just received an email from my immigration lawyer who is based in Sydney. Our application was lodged on 3rd March 2003 and the Immigration Dept in Adeliade are now requesting further information. My lawyer says that she has heard a rumour that they are trying to push through "as many applications as possible prior to June". They haven't yet requested our medicals or police records but she seems to think that it will only be a short matter of time. I am very excited about this and just wanted to share it with you all!
More good news. Friends of ours who applied at the same time as we did (i.e. beginning of March 2003) have already been asked for their medicals and police records. Granted though they are both in the top list (she is a nurse he is a teacher) but that is a real quick turn around time!