Still, it's rare for citizens to be affected if they are outside the country. The relevant legislation seems to be https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018

Still, it's rare for citizens to be affected if they are outside the country. The relevant legislation seems to be https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018B00180 https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018B00180, it doesn't contain the word "citizen". The text is actually neutral on such questions. In theory, I think it could be applied to anyone in the world, regardless of citizenship or residence. However, in practice people with no connection to Australia would be likely to just ignore it. A law enforcement officer (or another person on the officer’s behalf) may apply to an eligible Judge or to a nominated AAT member for an order (the assistance order) requiring a specified person to provide any information or assistance that is reasonable and necessary to allow the law enforcement officer to do one or more of the following:... You have a point that they'd have more leverage against Australian citizens, especially if they don't have alternative citizenships (so that they need passport renewals) or intend to travel to Australia in future.