You probably have the least amount of risk with OEM filters. Depending on what you drive, they're often reasonably priced.
As far as bad filters, that's a rotating list. Years ago, you couldn't say that you liked E-cores without getting flamed, accused of being a Champ Labs apologist, etc. Today, Purolator has that role. A few years from now, it could be somebody else. The hated filter du jour is a revolving door...life goes on.
I'd have no problem buying a Bosch or an ACDelco. Denso are usually good, too...maybe you have those down under? The SCA filter that Shannow posted looks great, too.