A very useful source of information about studying for a higher degree at Deakin is the Guide to Candidature: Higher Degrees by Research. In addition to information about the HDR policies and procedures, the Guide contains advice on managing your candidature and getting the most from it.
Candidates enrolled in 2010 have been sent a hard copy of the Guide but an electronic version is also available:
Guide to Candidature: Higher Degrees by Research (2 MB)
If you have any questions about your candidature, the Guide is a very good starting point. It has an index at the end to direct you to the relevant section.