Very complex and confusing.
i guess i need to apply for a resident return visa?

Travelling as a permanent resident

As an Australian permanent resident, there is a 5-year travel facility attached to your visa. You need to renew this when it expires if you want to travel outside Australia and return.

This also applies to New Zealand citizens who lived in Australia before 1 September 1994.

More information is in overseas travel as a permanent resident.

Interestingly I have never been asked for a resident return visa in all my years traveling in and out of Australia.