The tech giants will front Parliament today at 9.30am, 11.00am and 1.00pm respectively, to explain why they are charging Australians so much more than their US customers.
Choice has five questions for the tech companies:
1. Why is it costing Australians 70% more to rock out to AC/DC’s Back in Black on iTunes?
2. Why does it cost a graphic designer in Adelaide $3175 to buy Adobe CS6 Design and Web Premium when a creative in Los Angeles only has to pay $US1899?
3. Why does it cost a small business in Sydney $599 to buy Microsoft’s Office Professional 2013 when a business in San Francisco only has to pay $US399.99?
4. How many of their staff in Australia work on developing software?
5. Who sets the pricing on iTunes - Apple or the music and film industry?
Matt Levey, head of campaigns at Choice said there is "no justification" for why Australians are paying more than US consumers for identical products.
"We have heard all sorts of excuses from the tech companies, like claims that Australian wages, rent and taxes are too high and that our warranties are onerous," he said.
"Our research shows that none of the excuses stack up and the only conclusion is that the technology companies are greedy."
"Today, Adobe, Apple and Microsoft have every opportunity to come clean on their dirty deeds," says Mr Levey.
It's only a matter of hours before the tech giants will be forced to answer these questions, and many more.
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