I lived in Australia 10 years ago. It wasn't like that then. What it meant to be Australian did seem to be troubling the national psyche moreso than in most places, but the authoritarian streak absolutely was not there.

Young and old, irreverence was strong and frequently demonstrated, even towards people's own groups and circles.

On a good day, you could earn an approving glance from an old ANZAC in uniform with a fart joke, if the ceremony wass going overtime.