Once exemption has been approved, the ABF at the airport don't ask any further questions, they just confirm on their system and give you a piece of paper to take with you to check-in to show the airline.

Wanted to update my situation.I'm a dual citizen, AU and EU passport holder. I was constantly in two minds whether I should apply for exemption or not based on what it says on the home affairs website (that ordinarily residents elsewhere need not apply) and based on what people were saying, that ...

It's impossible to find a definitive answer on this. But that's what the below link implies:https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australiaAlthough I'm guessing you should then be prepared to prove your residence overseas at the airport... But what this involves, again, haven't been able to ...

When I spoke to a lady from home affairs over the phone and said I'm a dual passport holder but live overseas, she was adamant that, just like the website says, I don't need to apply for exemption... So who knows... Obviously safer to apply and get approval but... It does quite clearly say before...

How long did you wait for the approval letter?