http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/national/16031170/house-prices-jump-in-december-quarte...

Most Australians prefer to buy locally made products where possible.  We do have trade shows for the gift shop industry; and also craft shows for the public.  There was a national Australian Craft Show which showcased the very best of Australian and New Zealand handcrafts (I used to do my Christmas gift shopping there!) but sadly this came to an end due to management disputes. I believe the cost of a stall there became prohibitive and many stallholders complained about the poor management and lack of publicity for the high cost they were paying. 

In major cities the cost of stalls at these shows is expensive.  So for people who are making crafts on a small scale the most cost effective way to sell them is at weekend craft markets.  These are increasingly popular with both sellers and buyers, it cuts out the middle man.  Mind you it's a labour of love, you are sitting around all day (usually outdoors).