here is the press release Dec 08.....purchase of existing...

here is the press release Dec 08.....purchase of existing property is exempt, if they intend to use it as their own reesidence...
there are really so many exemptions ...and they can purchase multiple properties...

http://ministers.treasury.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2008/107.htm&pageID=003&min=ceb&Year=2008&DocType=0

list of exempt persons...
another link to the FIRB site...with questions and answers
http://www.firb.gov.au/content/Exemptions/exemptions.asp

Q & A link with various scenarios
http://www.firb.gov.au/content/faq.asp