Regarding the first point, yes, do be cautious about the schools you apply for. Studying for degrees these days is getting very commercialized. Anyone who's willing to pay and have some time can do it. Do check the credibility of the schools and the degrees they offer.
Why is Informatics hated?
I think the second point is a biased point of view. RMIT is a well-known institution. If Melbourne is not popular, then I think Singapore's NUS/NTU is even worse. There are many in the US or Europe who don't even know where Singapore is, let alone NUS/NTU. Seriously, this is from my personal experience!
At the end of the day, it's not so much your degree but what you can do in the real world that matters. I know it's sad over here, there's a huge emphasis on grades over most other things.
Just a digression here: I have a few friends with diplomas who couldn't enter the local unis despite repeated registration for 2-3 years. Finally they got fed up, managed to get PM sponsorship (Papa-Mama) and some savings and did their degrees overseas at universitites 'unheard of' here but nevertheless have very good course structures. Two of them scored excellent grades and today, ironically, they earn more than our other friends from NUS who slogged hard to compete in the local educational system.
Anyway, best wishes to those from polys applying to study at NUS/NTU...