Hello all,
Recently, I, a native English speaker, failed the IELTS English speaking exam (I do have a small chip on my shoulder!). I subsequently sat the PTE, and achieved superior English. Immediately after my second exam, I resubmitted my credentials. Lo and behold! A few days later I received a letter of invitation to apply for an Australian visa!! I am on the skilled occupation list, and I obtained a total of 75 points inclusive of my now "superior" English score. The balance of my points are from my degrees, age, and work experience.
Good luck to all those in the process.