G'day Steve, the answer is simple, competition. Online suppliers provide competition in abundance but can't really provide service as we would expect. Whilst the local service points are around online prices will be really good. Once they go the pressure is off and prices go up. Just flip through eBay for any product that doesn't have an offline presence and you'll see what I mean.
Back in the old days everything was more expensive because Australia is such a small market. These days we're part of the global community and enjoy the benefits but that's only while we have local manufacture and retail.