Yes. even you are not in australia, you still can apply for tfn. There would be a number of reasons for you to select in the form.
if you are in australia but not an australian resident for tax purpose, the form is http://www.ato.gov.au/download.a ... s/IND1432sample.pdf
common purposes are centrelink required, rental income or trust income from australia.
I hope my english typing isn't annoyed you. cos i am at work. although i can use on-line tool to type chinese, but just can't be bothered. Pls excuse me.