Travel to EU - Australian registrationship registration

[Franconian]

Hi all,

I am planning a short holiday in Europe with my partner in May 2014. I am German and my partner is Filipino. We are permanent residents in Australia and have been living together for three years in Australia. We also registered our de facto relationship in New South Wales in 2012.

I have been reading on this forum extensively, but it is still unclear if an Australian de facto registration would be recognised under Directive 2004/38/EC.

The best way would be to apply for a Schengen visa for my partner which should be free for her if the embassy accepts our partnership.

Our main destination is Germany, however the The Austrian Embassy in Canberra is responsible for issuing Schengen Visas on behalf of Germany in Australia. The Austrian embassy outsourced it to VFS.Global charging $50 admin fee plus EUR 60 for the Schengen visa.

Could we apply through a different embassy?

We would appreciate any advise.

Cheers,

Frank