DIBP posted an update that starting 22 May 2015, they will start collecting biometrics from applicants who are in Hong Kong at the time of making a visa application for Australia, unless exempted or excluded based on Australian Government Policy.

Exemption:

Holders of Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, British National Overseas, and People’s Republic of China passports do not need to provide biometric data when applying in Hong Kong for visas to enter Australia.

Things to note:

• Visa applicants residing in Hong Kong who lodge their application at the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Hong Kong will be asked to provide their biometrics at the same time.
• Visa applicants who send their applications by post to the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong or to the AVAC, will be sent a letter requiring them to attend the AVAC, in person, to provide their biometrics.
• Some applicants lodging their visas online might be sent a letter informing them that they need to attend the AVAC in person to provide their biometrics.​​​​​
• Applicants will need to contact the Australian Visa Application Centre to make an appointment and have their biometrics collected.
• Biometric data will be collected by the Australian Government’s service provider VFS Global through a quick, discreet and a non-intrusive process that captures a facial image and a 10-digit fingerprint scan.

For more information, click Introduction of biometrics collection for applicants in Hong Kong