Yeah - like Larsson said I`m from the US of A , and I can play PES3 or any imported game just fine.
TomF7 - I tried sending you a PM but something went wrong, the page disappeared - I guess my fingers touched something that I shouldn`t have touched

, so my bad. I`m going to answer your Q`s: here.
If you want the best modchip for your PS2 console, you gotta go with DMS3 v2.0 modchip. DMS3 is better than all other PS2 modchips like: Messiah, Magic etc. However DMS3 costs alot more than other ones, but this makes sense because it`s simply the best

. I never tried playing any games imported from Australia but I play European (PAL) games just fine - one of them is PES3. It plays just like a regular US NTSC-U/C game. I will give you a website where you have alot of options on 'what to do/buy' etc. The website is
http://www.modchipman.com - They are based in Ohio I believe and are the best & most recommended service around the states. Here are some options that you can do:
1.) Buy a DMS3 v2.0 modchip and install it yourself. PRICE = $49.99 + shipping/handling. ( I would recommend this option only if you`re good with installing modchips like this one particulary for PS2 )
2.) I don`t know if they offer this option but I think they do (double check by e-mailing them) , what you do is you send them your own PS2 console and someone from their staff professional will install a DMS3 for you. ( You can try this out if they still have this option avaliable )
You can buy a complete new, not used or refurbished PS2 already pre-modified with DMS3 v2.0 modhip. This one I recommend to everyone (This is what I did so I can play WE7/PES3 etc) it`s $289.99 - now I know it`s alot of money if you`re a young fella you can always add this to your xmas wish list

. but again this is really the best option to go..