You are in a lot of luck. There's a heap of bikes out there that will fulfill your requirements - you only have to go back 5 years, and many of them were rubbish.
As Audax says, belt-drive is pretty new. Low maintenance (and quite nicely, NO greasy chain), but there's not that many out there. They certainly have their advocates though. If you really like the bike, and it has belt-drive, I wouldn't be scared off, but perhaps wouldn't really seek one out otherwise.
Having a 'step thru' frame makes it easier to mount/dismount. I *love* my step-thru.https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...type=1&theater Especially if you have a rack on the back, with a bag/pannier whatever. I use my bike for commuting, so it normally has my pannier (Basil Mirte) on it. If not step-thru, you have to swing your leg around, which can be difficult with a bag/pannier, or a kid-seat on the back.
Gears? My commuter bike has a hub gear. So, all in-built, like the belt-drive. It's a little heavier than derailleur, and doesn't give you as 'many' gears, however it almost has the range of most derailleurs and so I can still get up some pretty steep hills. (I also have a road-bike, if I'm doing distances, not that I do that often). The benefit of the hub gearing is it requires little/no maintenance. Mine also includes the rear brake in the hub - so it works in wet weather fine. Derailleurs are found on most bikes - coz they work, and at the cheaper as well as the higher-end of the scale, they tend to be the ones chosen. They do require a little bit more maintenance - but don't necessarily let that scare you off.
Take a look at a few bike stores (not K-Mart etc... actual bike stores). Unfortunately, some sales people can take the attitude that you have no idea about anything, and try to steer you in a particular direction. Go to a few stores, look at some websites. See what you like. Then - test-ride.
Suggestions? I LOVE my MASI Soulville Mixte 7. I also looked at Electra Townies. They have a low step-thru, and a really interesting geometry so you can always put you foot down. But, increaslingly these days, most of the major brands (Giant, Trek, Avanti etc) have some great 'city' bikes. This also means the prices are coming down. As I said, it's a lot easier today than even a few years ago.
Oh... and you won't need front suspension. Unless you're spending more to get decent suspension (and, most-likely on a MTB, which you've said you don't want), all suspension does is add weight, and take away some of your power when you're trying to put in some effort.
Finally - when you do purchase, ensure you factor in helmet and (if req'd) lights. Make sure they will, at the very least, do an initial service for free. (The cables stretch and all need readjusting), but most decent bike shops will throw in a year's servicing without too much haggling.
MD, I think you are in Adelaide and DP has suggested that you go and have a look in Treadly Bike Shop in the city (near East Tce) - they also have a web site.
I am not a fan of the electra townie. They look pretty, but apparently the componentry is not great, and the build quality is not commensurate with the price tag.
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