hi
My visa was refused in mid April 2015 and had hearing scheduled on 1 oct 2015. Mrt sent their decision next week of hearing. Every case is different. I dont know what tips I can give you. You get to represent yourself and have a chance to present more evidence if you have even after the primary decision by DIBP. I dont know why they refused your visa. My visa was refused cuz failure to satisfy schedule 3 cuz my student visa was cancelled cuz of non-compliance. We provided evidence to prove our relationship to be 2 years old at the time of application which laid the grounds for waiver of schedule 3.
No they have not said that if they are considering for 801 visa. I heard back from DIBP after one month of remittance and they requested for medical, form 80, form 1221 and PCCs.
I think I will find out outcome soon.
I hope it helps