I am a romanian citizen living in Germany for five years. I kept contact with my friends in Romania and I travel there every year.
The Australian citizens do not require a visa to enter Romania for a period up to 90 days. Therefore, if I were you, I would travel to Romania and apply for long stay visa from inside the country (conditions and required documents).
4-5 years ago bribing was a possibility. Nowadays the chances of getting caught are considerably higher. I advise you to abandon that option.
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘