Pollyana

Only DIAC can answer that. They have to go by the RRV rules, which currently expect some links to be maintain to Australia. If someone is showing no commitment to the country why should DIAC keep issuing them RRVs?

To be honest though, its a bit of a theoretical exercise at your point in the process. RRV and citizenshiprules could change drasticlly over the years before you need them. Only thing you can do is keep up with any changes.

JAJ

No need to apply onshore. If you have an Australian spouse and/or dependent children, then you have "substantial ties" to Australia. As long as you keep your RRV valid, the "substantial ties" continue, and and use the RRV to visit Australia every 5 years (preferably more frequently) you should be able to keep it going almost indefinitely. But rules can change.

astera

Would this be based on getting the concessional 1 year RRV every couple of years (due to 5 yrs not passing since last visit) or would it actually be possible to get a 5 year multiple entry RRV without spending more than several weeks in Australia each year?

JAJ

Under current policy there's no chance of a 5 year RRV without spending 2 years in Australia. Best you can expect is a 1 year RRV, looks like that can be obtained for many years in future if your circumstances are as stated + frequent visits to Australia. However you have to keep renewing and pay A$300 (or future charges) every time.

astera

Right, so getting the 1yr each time seems to be the way. What are the processing times for these, can they also be obtained "over the counter" when visiting Australia?

JAJ

Over the counter RRV is (normally) only available if the 2/5 year residence requirement is met. Processing times for concessional RRV are not necessarily same day. Can be a few weeks or more.

If there are substantial ties and no issues with the 5 year absence rule - then RRV can just as easily be applied for and granted offshore.

astera

Taking into account that overall my line of work might see us spending a lot of time in Singapore over the coming years, what are the minimums (special cases, DIAC even mentions the possibility of crediting time spend abroad, etc.) with regards to applying for citizenship so that I can help my wife and plan ahead?

FWIW I am an Australian citizen and our kids will be too, so maybe this helps on the "maintaining close ties" front?

Just looking for something general but realistic that would take into account the fact that we might end up spending large chunks of time abroad.

JAJ

All in the Australian Citizenship Instructions, chapter 5, download & read carefully.
http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/law-and-policy/

Note that the Instructions can be changed anytime, however must be consistent with the Act.

Also pay close attention to the rules for Resident Return Visas (which can also change). As has already been pointed out to you, Australian citizen spouse and/or dependent child normally counts as a "substantial tie" however there are additional requirements that you need to understand carefully.
http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/residents/155/