I'm tired of this statement. You cannot get a "software patent" in the U.S., either (at least not like everyone implies). You cannot patent a pure algorithm or abstract idea, same as Australia. You are patenting a machine that performs some series of steps; these steps may be directed by software (or cams, levers, and dancing squirrels) You do the same thing in Australia. In New Zealand there are guidelines permitting "embedded software" to be patented, same as the U.S. (which permits patenting of media containing instructions causing a machine to perform specific steps). In both Australia and the U.S. you can patent a business method if it is performed by a computer. The "well defined" laws in Australia are essentially the same as in the U.S. as far as what is patentable, but it is easier to get a patent in Australia than in the U.S. - most folks consider the USPTO to do a better job of finding prior art than other countries. People who complain about U.S. "software patents" are people who have not read the claims of the patent and/or who don't work as patent agents in the U.S. or other countries.