Apple, Microsoft probed for allegedly price gouging Australians

(CBS News) Apple and Microsoft are in hot water over alleged price gouging down under. The Australian Parliament is asking the companies why Australians pay more for music and games than customers abroad.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Minister of Communications, Stephen Conroy, has approved a "parliamentary inquiry, which will also consider pricing of software and other IT-related material and could have big implications for businesses."

An example of price discrepancy posted on the Herald's website includes Microsoft Office Suite 2010 Professional. Americans pay $349, while Australians pay $849. The approximate exchange rate for $349 US dollars would be $335 Australian dollars. The same goes for Apple Mac OS X Server v.10.6 Snow Leopard. Americans pay $499, while Australians pay $699.

The counter argument for the price hikes are the costs involved in setting up support centers abroad, as well as paying local taxes and duties. Australian consumer advocate groups, like Choice, are not buying it. Ingrid Just, spokeswoman for Choice, told the Herald those excuses are not acceptable.