I haven't used an Australian Virtual Assistant, I do however, utilise a service in the Phillipines.  I find them very good to deal with.  

There are no dates on these questions so hard to know how recent they are.

I run Australia's oldest VA Network - been in operation as a network since 1996.  There are many reasons why clients here would prefer an Australian based VA. Protection of their IP and their database for starters - they wouldn't want these things to go offshore. They would also want the VA to be covered by Australian law if something went awry. Often our culture, the way we do things, the way we communicate is another factor. Geographic knowledge - depending on what is needed, i.e. if it's relating to events, accommodation, and other items that need Australian based knowledge.

Yes, engaging offshore VAs is a lot cheaper but this relates to cost of living too. Think about your own services - you hopefully charge according to your cost of living and what you need to be able to do for your own clients. The same occurs for Aussie based VAs. I've got clients who have been with me for over 10 years, one has been with me nearly 20 years - they haven't baulked at my rates and accept them as the cost of doing business. They don't want to waste their time trying to work out how to do something when it takes me a fraction of the time to do it.

So, Anonymous, would love to hear what it is you do and what type of things you would want a VA to do?

Australian virtual assistants are awesome.  I know because I am one.  @Maini Homer I have also worked with VAs in the Phillipines and India and have had some great experiences and some not so great.  Mostly to do with things that get lost in translation and sometimes having to go back and forth a dozen times to clarify expectations and requirements.  For me it's disappointing to see jobs go to VAs overseas when there are loads of brilliant VAs right here looking for work. Shout out if you'd like to hear more about why I think you should use an Aussie VA. :)

I agree with @Jane Jones @Kathie Thomas , there are some amazing offshore VA's but it's disappointing to see business owners choose VA's based purely on price. I often find that longer-term clients will pay more for the right fit.