Tried to educate myself OP, so far I've had not even one inkling of a problem with Mt. Gox, verification was not a problem and I've been happily trading ever since, my opinion is Gox is a good thing and when you're on a good thing, stick to it.
From a purely educational point of view, could you please suggest another exchange, where I, as an Australian, can safely and securely trade?
Take a look at WeExchange.co, (not com, that is confusing), I believe they are set up in Australia.