@Bjv002
Thanks for your reply, that's kind of what I figured, and the immigration number seem to be getting less and less helpful.
@Almat
We applied for my exemption very early on when this debacle all happened, and was granted the next day (along with the 600). Unfortunately I think it was purely a timing thing, and less to do with particular circumstances, and was granted at a time before passenger caps etc were fully in place.
It's sad to hear of so many people struggling to get across, but it's looking like it's actually making some traction in the media, and now in Aus parliament which should hopefully speed up the process.