Where I am now (Europe) direct tracking is available, traffic permitting. Much the same as in Australia.
In fact the more I see of different ATC structures and procedures the more convinced I am that the system I left in Australia is designed to be the safest and as efficient as the radar coverage allows.
Dick you speak about the Australian ATC system as if it were anachronistic and backward. I would refute this given my exposure to other systems and other controllers, including those from the US, Spain, India, UK and various other EU states.
If you took away the management of the ANSP (ASA in this case) Australia's system would indeed be 'world's best practice'. The controllers are sought after OS in locations mentioned by Max1 becasue they are amongst the best in the world. The sad fact that so many Australian ATCs have moved OS is nothing to do with the ATC system or procedures or rules and regulations. It is categorically, unequivocally to do with the shabby, mean, ignorant and distasteful treatment we received from Airservices.
I do not know of many of us who would have moved so far north of the equator had it not been for the buffoons and muppets who purportedly manage Australian ATC.