It isn't our government's tax, they are actually trying to get these companies to lower their prices to no avail. Google, Apple, Microsoft etc.
Sony are well known for charging much more for products in Australia. Both with their hardware, games and digital games/content.
Okay, let's look at it from a different way. Don't know how it works in Australia, but for Europe:
A normal PS4 game costs €59.99 at most retailers. 21% VAT. 59.99/121*100 = €49.58.
€49.58 = $68.16, or basically the American Recommended Retail Price.
You are not paying more than the American RRP. And someone who keeps his eye out, will find lower prices than €59.99.
Hardware
You were also talking about hardware. Let's take the €399 PS4. €329.75 without VAT. €329.75 = $450 (exhange rate: €1.37 = $1).
So, a $50 premium. And why is that?
- Euro-Dollar exchange rate buffer
In the past five years, the Euro has been worth as little as €1.19 = $1, but also as high as €1.51 = $1. There needs to be a buffer, since basically the world economy is mostly focused on the Dollar.
- Additonal government taxes
EU import taxes, additional local taxes (such as a $10 'copying levy' in the Netherlands), environment taxes, etc.
- Shipping
Shipping to Europe (from Asia) is slightly more expensive than shipping to, for example, the United States. Not much, but the difference is there.
- Extra year of warranty
Europeans get an additional year of warranty, compared to what Americans get.
I get what you are saying, because yes, Europeans pay a small premium... but the premium isn't as high as you think - and there's a good reason why you pay slightly more.
The real cost is the VAT, which, as has been said, can be as high as 27% in Europe. But hey, healthcare is generally quite good in Europe and accessible to way more people than in the US.