Aussie Loves and Hates
The Loves
1. Informality
As a general principle Australia is an informal society. In cities businessmen still dress in suits and ties, but it is common in suburban and rural areas to find a high level of informality. Some restaurants, clubs and hotels have dress codes but this is usually to ensure that people do not arrive in shorts and a singlet during the evening. When trying to ascertain what is appropriate the simplest answer is to ask someone.

2. New Technology
Australians love new technology. Over the past 25 years they have embraced technological innovations far more rapidly, and with far greater enthusiasm, than any other country in the world. This applies as much to colour TV (first introduced in 1975) as it does to mobile phones, computers, the internet, and Pay TV. At this point it looks as though Australia¹s enthusiasm for Pay TV (the local name for cable and satellite TV) will mean that in three years it will reach the same level of penetration as it took eight years to achieve in Britain. There are now over 1 million Australian homes with Pay TV. This is a higher level of penetration than Britain at the same time in its television evolution.

3. The Coast and the Beaches
More than 80 per cent of Australian live on the coast. Some social commentators have seen this as an attempt by the entire population to turn their backs on the barren, desert wasteland which is the continent¹s interior. This argument may have merit. It is equally true that beach culture has become an integral part of Australian life. It is still true that most families, if they go on holidays in Australia, will stay near a beach. Surfing and surf life saving are popular activities. And, perhaps most importantly, many Australians see their retirement in terms of a retreat to some quiet beach with lots of sunshine.

The Hates
1. Pretentiousness
Australians have an almost pathological dislike of pretentiousness and snobbery. This may well have originated in the country¹s convict past. The early settlers were, in some ways, escapees from the English social system. They disliked elitism and were deeply committed to egalitarianism. This has meant that Australians are, as a general principle, believers in Œa fair go¹. They will tend to be forgiving if a person is honest about their errors.

2. Tall Poppies
The 'tall poppy' syndrome is an extension of 'pretentiousness'. Australians love to discredit people who seem to take excessive pride (for 'pride' read 'vanity') in their own achievements. If someone appears to be 'to big for their boots' or 'full of themselves' they will be rejected very publicly and, if they have committed some act of indiscretion (moral, financial or social) there will be a sense of revenge that these people flew too high and they have now been brought down by their own arrogance and folly.

The 'tall poppy' syndrome is often used as an explanation by public figures who are subjected to its wrath. They say they are innocent victims. This is not true. It is a discriminating tool of social attack and those who are brought down invariably have only themselves to blame. If someone is hugely successful, and unpretentious with it (a good example would be the Australian singer John Farnham), there is a deep wellspring of good will and admiration.

3. Anti-Australian sentiments
Australians may pretend to lack pride in their country but they are not terribly good at accepting criticism from visitors. A friendly word of warning. If you feel like criticising the country do it fully prepared to accept the consequences. The average Australian has lots of unkind things to say about Britons, Americans, South Africans, New Zealanders and Europeans. If you start criticising Australia be prepared to receive a barrage of criticism of your own country in return.