I applied from Pakistan, under fast track, on Aug 21, 2008 (at that time you don't need to apply in Sydney directly, (it was called simplified application process). I got a case ID on December, and on March 20, 2009 I got a letter from Islamabad embassy that I need to submit my documents within 120 days. so this is the status so far.
In comparison one of my friend applied from London, and the processing time is almost identical in our case. in fact he got his case ID little delayed.