From what I understand, there are two different government factions that regulate animal import. Parrots are allowed under the Department of Environment and Energy, within regulation. Parrots are not allowed under the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. I think there is even a third office involved with Border protection.
I brought my dog with me and pet import permits are acquired through the Agriculture department. The import of my dog was very costly, about $10,000 AUD after all the vet visit, plane tickets, and boarding in QT.
The birds allowed for import change, but parrots are banned for the most part. Zoo's can gain permits and there are other very rare exceptions. Pet parrot imports are banned, unless from NZ. This is why some of the less common parrots can be found in Australia at Zoos and the like. They also do exports.. remember that shady guy from Germany, you know the one who has 90% of the Sphinx macaws left on earth.. called the ACTP. The Australian gov gave him 100s of birds.
I wish they could change the system to allow some pet imports. The birds could go through screening and testing the same way other animals do. It should not be impossible to move with your family member just because they have feathers. To be honest, I think the environmental risks aren't as strongly considered as one may think. Australia has made and continues to make environmental blunders, they are far from perfect in that respect. The ban on parrot imports does good to help keep illegal poachers from taking birds from other habitats in S.America, Africa, etc.
It isn't a bad idea to strictly regulate imports. It is also a great idea to requires us to hold permits to have the birds. Regulation isn't a problem and it probably encourages proper husbandry. I just believe that prohibition doesn't really work.. because it encourages illegal trade with no protection to any of the birds.
I know this is a month old post, but I saw the article below and it made me want to write something.
Different country, but same point.
Vulture, eagle and sparrowhawk chicks from eggs smuggled by 'Pablo Escobar of the egg trade' hatched | Daily Mail Online