They seem to be government fees (not an agent). I would have been surprised if an SBS journo was promoting some expensive agent.
I just went to
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Visa-1 and answered some questions as shown. and got "from $6,865.
Estimate the cost of your visa
What visa are you applying for?
Partner
What date will you be lodging your application?
01/07/2016
How many additional applicants will be 18 years of age or older when you lodge your application?
0
How many additional applicants will be younger than 18 years of age when you lodge your application?
0
Please select a currency you would like the price displayed in? * Price will be displayed in Australian dollars unless changed.
Get Estimate
To add an additional applicant to a lodged but yet undecided visa application please refer to form 1436 and the Visa Pricing Table.
Price starts from AUD 6,865.00
This document is based on lodgement date on 09.06.2016 Australian Eastern Standard/Daylight Time.
For information about payment options, go to How to pay
How this price is calculated
Product Quantity Price
BC100 Partner - First stage UF309 1 6,865.00
GST 0.00
Total AUD 6,865.00
Aren't the generous making it free of GST? :-)
THe graph in the article shows the increased fees began in 2012 with the biggest increase in 2014. That increase would have been in the first budget of the Abbot government.