Yes you can lodge your application without IELTS Exam. The only thing you should do is to book an IELTS test appointment with Biritish council and put this booking number in your application.
Later, If you took the IELTS with required score, then you can send a certified copy to DIAC.
Immigration Department will not ask for IELTS because you should update your file by yourself, otherwise if a long time passed and you never shown your IELTS to DIAC, you will get a refuse.
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Fadel fawzi LL.B, M.C.L., LL.M, Ph.D
Intrenational Lawyer & Immigration solicitor
ICU Immigration service center
http://www.icuimmigration.com