Labor MP decries Apple's Australia tax

The Member for the electorate of Chifley in western Sydney, Husic is known for his love of Apple products and read his maiden speech in October 2010 from his iPad - following the path trod by Shadow Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who regularly brings his own Apple tablet into the chamber. Speaking in the House of Representatives last week, Husic said it was "then-known" that he did not mind Apple products.

"Their sleek, smartly designed products are leading edge, innovative, and help shape the way research caters to consumers," he said. "Moreover their terrific MacBook, I have as well been impressed with the iPad, which I am using tonight. It was a great platform from which I read my inaugural speech. I am led to believe I was the first member in this place to do so."

However, Husic added, it was not unusual for Apple's "fervent devotees" to closely examine the iconic research giant's prices when sold in Australia compared to their cost in the company's home country of the United States.

For example, he said that afterwards discussing the issue on Twitter last week, he realised that Apple's 13″ MacBook Pro costs $1,399 in Australia, however just $1,218 in the US, the 17″ model cost $2,899 in Australia by $2,700 in the US, and the 8GB iPod Touch went for $289 in Australia and $247 in the US. All of these prices are in Australian dollars, with conversion being carried out by Husic based on current exchange rates.