LETS GET SOME THINGS STRAIGHT.

I live in Sydney, have a keen interest in games and study economics.

The 60gb PS3 Starter Pack has an RRP of $AU999.95. This is likely to come down with prices worldwide.

The 40gb PS3 has just been announced at RRP of $AU699.95. It has no memory card readers, 2 usb ports, no games packed in at this point, and NO BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY.

At this point Sony hasn't announced a SINGLE PRICE CUT FOR AUSTRALIA. They have introduced a new, low-featured SKU.

The Australian dollar recently passed $US.90c. This means that the 60gb would cost approximately $900 in US currency. Quite a hefty premium for Australians.

How about taxes in Australia? 900$ is a lot but don't think that you are the only ones who has to pay more than Japanese/Americans. In Poland PS3 costed around 880$ and just now it was announced that there will be a price cut to about 750$. The new SKU will cost around 590$. But I don't blame Sony, 22% of the price is VAT tax.
Actually most European countries pay smiilar.

In Australia there is a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

$1000-10%=$900

That equals around $US810. That is what Sony charges Australian's for the 60gb PS3, which I remind you doesn't have complete backward compatibility like the USA one.

OK im in australia. aus $ were worth about like 80c US.. when i last checked.. and for the starter pack... its from 980-990$ And a question.. wasnt the starter pack ment to end WTF.. im angry i rushed to get this..

Nah mate. Yesterday the dollar broke 90US cents, the treasurer was saying he wa really worried about it. Our dollars going up and up, our games should have dropped in price months ago.

Ohh wow didnt know we were getting soo god dam good ayye ... GO US (me and starcraft)

hehe, us aussies may enjoy different consoles, but in the end we stick together