Depends a lot on how busy they are. It can take up to 3 months. Be sure you've registered your relationship with the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages in the State you intend to live and include it in the application before you submit as this will help you.
One option you might want to consider is State/Territory nomination. Each State/Territory has a different application process. The following websites provide further information: NSW: see http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/live-and-work-in-nsw; Victoria: see http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au; WA: see...
Which visa subclass have you applied? If it's the offshore 309 the 2 year period begins on grant (not application) however this can be waived if there are grounds for compassionate and compelling circumstances.
