is being married to an Australian, equate to having significant ties to Australia.
Is it possible to phone and speak to an officer about your case to explain your situation (for the RRV)?
It might be.
I was in that position many years ago, with my now "ex" wife.
I used the "being married to an Australian Citizen, and having an Australian child, as my significant ties to Australia"
They then interviewed us both, before getting the RRV. I had spent the previous 5 years out of total 15 years PR, outside Australia. My RRV had expired for 2 years, while I was away.