I don't know if the arcade is coming out in Australia, but I heard that F-Zero AC was coming out in the States, so that should be good news for you guys.
One of the things that worries me most about the mem card/credit card thing you use with the Aracde/Internet/Gamecube connection thing is that I know people will stick all sorts of crap into the slots, like gum, or liquids and stuff like that.
I hope that theres a mechanical cover that only opens up when you save and stuff, or else there's no hope for them.