Just wanted to add my 2 cents...
I live in the UK, and have used 3G handsets for a few years now.... my experience on 3G hasn't been that great to be honest.
Connection always seems flaky (even when in a very good reception area) you have to turn the phone on and off all the time to reset it so that the 3G will work, and I've used a fair range of handsets (Sony Ericsson, Nokia)
I have an iPhone now (not locked into 02 btw!!) and I have to say that using EDGE works pretty darn well. It sure is a LOT more reliable... albeit a bit slower.
I have many Aussie friends, and I know that they would love an iPhone - but as mentioned earlier I bet it's all down to the lack of talks or the lack of flexibility by 1 or 2 carriers over there to give Apple the slice of the pie they are after. I don't think it's Apple "ignoring" you guys.