Some fires are exempt from permit, provided that adequate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fire.  Here is the official description of these fires:

• Small fires lit for cooking purposes (barbecues, etc.) are usually permitted provided that adequate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fire.
• A fire in which neither the height, width nor length of the material to be consumed exceeds 2 metres.
• A fire lit for the purpose of burning the carcass of a beast
• A fire lit at a sawmill for the purpose of burning sawdust or other residue resulting from the operation of a sawmill
• A fire lit outdoors, if enclosed in a fireplace so constructed as to prevent the escape of fire or any burning material therefrom.

Cane fires are also allowed subject to certain conditions.

You are still required to manage, control and be responsible for any fire on your property whether you have a permit or not.

Some of these exemptions will not apply if there is a local law for part or all of the local Government area which prohibits the lighting of fires.