<blockquote rel="mykdspyk">hi guys, i was reading this thread as I was exactly on the same situation. I am on a 457 visa with passport expiring on June 2013 and going back for holiday to Philippines on May (for a month). There is just one thing which added more complications on my situation, as I have waiting for my visa decision for ENS 186 which until now eh wala pa din update. I called DIAC for timeframe and they can't tell me any time frame allocation, they just told me that standard processing takes 5 - 7 months. I am on my 5th month waiting since I lodge my visa app. So I am expecting at least until April 2013 to get a decision.
Should I renew my passport now here in Australia or wait for the visa decision till April and renew it on Manila? Any advise guys?</blockquote>
What is stopping you ba from renewing your visa? Better do it now as good as worthless na visa mo in terms of travelling as it is less than 6months nalang.
Hassle if you do it sa Philippines - it can take 7 working days for a rush processing. Instead of enjoying your hols, pupunta ka pa sa DFA to apply then kunin yung passport mo. And as mentioned by @lock_code2004, what if masirap ang machine to print these visa diba or naubusan ng materials. Knowing the inefficiencies of our country, hindi ito malayo na mangyari...
I suggest you do it ASAP to avoid any problems...