In the past, Australia has simply been omitted
...
Now, Daniel has made an explicit statement that we are going to get our own contest....
This is great news and is the catalyst that has dragged me out from lurking for the last 6 years...
I would expect the prize offering may not be as generous as that for the (however limited) international competition - but we are going to have a chance at something!
Chance yes, but as far as I am aware these 5 scopes are not exclusive to residents of Australia, therefore the chance is also there that none of these 5 scopes stay in Australia. Those that are eligible for Scope Month have just had their chances increased from >125 scopes to >130 scopes.
Don't get me wrong, I am stoked there is now a chance for us aussies even if we do have to compete with the rest of the world.
It's better than nuthin'!