Question about 600 expiry dates

[CircusMircus]

Hello, I have a family member with a 600 visa. The applicable restrictions are no work and maximum of 3 month study. Valid for multiple entries with maximum 12 month stay from each entry. There is a specified "must enter before" date but no hard expiration date listed for the visa itself. There are no other conditions e.g. no further stay or maximum 12 months in 18 listed.

They are preparing to apply for a different visa (partner visa) at the moment. My concern is if they were to leave and return to Australia again before the "must enter before" date, this would mean that the 600 "resets" for another 12 month maximum stay and might interfere with any other visa application that has been lodged (I.e. no bridging visa granted because the 600 is still in force). 

My previous understanding was that 600 visas are good for a maximum 12 month period only but I can't see anything on the grant notice to confirm this for certain. Any ideas?

E.g. let's say visa grant date is 1/01/2022 and the person arrives on 1/02/2022. My understanding is they have 12 months to come and go as often as they want or stay for a total 12 months until 1/02/2023. But if they were to leave for Christmas on 1/12/2022 and return on 1/01/2023, they must still leave or get a new visa by 1/02/2023 - the 600 won't extend for 12 months from the date of the second entry?

 

[VERYSTORMY]

It would run this past a registered migration agent"

[VERYSTORMY]

It would run this past a registered migration agent"

[paulhand]

3 hours ago, CircusMircus said:

Valid for multiple entries with maximum 12 month stay from each entry.

… is the answer to your question

 

[CircusMircus]

Thank you Paul, sometimes it really is the most literal or obvious answer it seems!