(I do find it interesting that you included a moral judgment - that your partner has been "unfairly burdened" - yet requested that nobody else do so.... )

The very second those arrears are gotten rid of, your partner should be able to obtain a passport - he might need to provide the passport office with a copy of the order, but generally he should be fine. It may take a little while for the records to show that, however - so patience might be needed.

Enjoy Australia!