I recently got rejected as well for traveling to HK for business, this is my second time applying for the exemption. They approved me July last year but i returned here in Nov to visit my family. I think they only allow you to leave the country once. 

Hi allyfan, as long as you are an AU citizen or PR, you need an exemption. If you are a minor and your parents are oversea, maybe you should get a letter from them explaining your situation, like you'll be returning to HK to continue your study or jobs etc, but you do need supporting documents to...

I don't think the boarder will reopen until mid 2021 or until vaccine are available. The exemption is more like a one way ticket, if you can proof that you have an oversea job/university offer and won't be returning in a short time, the chance are higher for the approval.

@bmorrow21, i finally got the approval today at 3pm, didnt expect they work on the weekend. I think you will get yours this week.

I have attached them an urgent letter from my employer, still doens't help, i am thinking if there is any legal action i can take against the ABF since this is inhuman