Ah yes, the old "Why are prices high in Au" nugget.

The answer involves 4 parts. One. GST adds 10% each step of the way which exaggerates price. Two. Too many links in the distribution chain blows out prices. Three. Very small dispersed market (not even the size of California) means margins are high. Four. Distibutors use borderline anti-trust tactics to ensure there is little if any competition from grey or parallel importing.

The above also dictates 2nd hand prices.

If you think it sucks from where you sit, try living here. A spare tube is 7 bucks.