Australian government to Apple, Microsoft: please explain

Australian authorities are to question technology companies including Apple and Microsoft on why consumers and businesses in Australia pay more than those overseas for downloads and software.

The details of the inquiry are still being finalised, but according to the Sydney Morning Herald, it will take place later this year, and will look at content downloads like music and games as well as purchases of software and 'other IT-related material'.

Nine months ago, Apple lowered the prices in its Australian app store by up to 25%, a move many thought was prompted by pricing publicity, particularly from Australian Labour MP Ed Husic who has now been campaigning on the issue for over a year.

At the time, the move also drew attention to the New Zealand pricing of Apple products, as well as the now defunct HP TouchPad.

Justifications for higher antipodean prices include the small size of the market, the expense of setting up support centres, and local taxes.

What do you think of the inquiry announcement? Should National look to launch a similar inquiry here?