Parents no longer able to be added as dependents

[NicoletteJ]

I'm not sure if this is common news/knowledge, but I've heard from an agent in Sydney that a law was passed on Friday night stating that parents are no longer able to be added as dependents on your PR application. Those who got this right in the past, count yourselves very lucky!

[TeeTMI]

Just to confirm the above & also to add that greater restrictions are also being applied to the age of children that can be included:

 

The new definition of 'Member of the Family Unit' comes into effect on 19 November 2016. This change applies to most visas.
The new definition amends and limits the definition of member of the family unit, limiting the definition to the spouse or de facto partner of a primary applicant, and children of the primary applicant or their partner, who are dependent.
Prior to this amendment, the definition provided a more generous migration pathway as it permitted extended family members to be included in a visa application.
It also sets an upper age limit of 23 years for children or step-children who are dependent, unless they are incapacitated for work.
There are also provisions that allow a family member who holds a specified temporary visa (e.g. 457) to be eligible for a further visa where they are no longer a member of the family unit, for example, because they are now over 23 years of age.