The article states that they already had to prove they were exempt. However as I have not personally gone through this I am not in a position to comment on the

The article states that they already had to prove they were exempt. However as I have not personally gone through this I am not in a position to comment on the accuracy of this statement. But from what I know of Australian bureaucracy, likely it was an ad-hoc decision made by a representative in the airport checking whatever documentation was provided. But now, you need to apply to the federal Home Affairs ministry for an official exemption, which comes with as much delay and red tape as you can imagine. So what I'm saying is; whilst one is ostensibly still "allowed" to leave if one meets the requirements, in practice it may now be more difficult if not impossible. But the fact still remains that this is frankly an obscene policy. I'm disappointed, and angry, but not surprised. Let's also not forget that the previous Home Affairs minister himself went abroad last year, contracted covid, came back and had meetings with others.