While I agree it would be embarrassing to the U.S. to have a drug that might change the practice of medicine as we know it approved abroad with no support from our government, I believe the Australians are simply looking at the return on their investment.
Universal Healthcare simply has different priorities, the Medicine for Profit model in the U.S. is failing.
Government dollars in the U.S. go to those with political connections and skilled grant writers. It seems that Australia is looking for results.
I believe they will get results with Anavex 2-73 and they've been convinced by the P2 "anecdotal" response of patients.