Short answer: No
Long answer: There does seem to be a shortage of lower-end equipment for sale at the moment, though there are a few cheaper eps around. I think there is normally a bit more available but I haven't followed the classifieds closely for a few years. There could be a few reasons for this
- bad luck - it's just an anomaly. Don't worry, just after you shell out for a new item a second hand one will turn up.
I waited for nearly a year for a 31mm Nagler. After I gave up and bought a WO 28mm (which is actually really nice) a Nagler appeared within a fortnight.
- not worth the sellers effort. I have a few GSO plossls that I may give to a good home one day but the effort to sell them, package and post them is just not worth the reward. Also, lower end items tend to sit around unsold for ages. Better gear sells like hot cakes, though really big expensive systems (eg full imaging rigs) can take a while to sell.
- maybe you want too much of a bargain. Many noobs do. I've had someone express disappointment that they couldn't get a scope that would show them all they want for $50.
Gear here in basically perfect order normally goes for 70-75% of new price. That is reasonable. Perhaps if you are new to astronomy you don't realise just how cheap astro gear is at the moment. You would actually paid more dollars in the 70's than you do now. I recall a friend affording a 4" Unitron on an alt-az and I think he paid >$2000. I think my Celestron silver-top plossls were >$100 each.
I don't know of other Australian astro classifieds and I would stay away from general classifieds. If someone hasn't found IIS they can't be too serious about astronomy. So, what sort of gear do they have and how has it been treated? Gear here tends to be pre-loved by people who know and care about equipment. When I decided to upgrade my eps I had to spread the purchases over a year or more so as not to upset the Dept of Finance. But quality lasts and you will be able (and proud) to give good gear to your grandkids.