Down Under Facts from Australia Quiz

Answer: No

We had far less in fact, with the figure at 116 per 100,000 head of the population. The United States, on the other hand, had aproximately 715 and Russia had 585 incarcerated prisoners. Even New Zealand, with 160, had more prisoners per 100,000 head of the population than Australia.

They of course would come straight back at us with that figure and say it's because all our criminals are over there on holidays.

Answer: Exorbitant price charged for each miner's licence

When gold was discovered at Ballarat in 1851, there was a huge influx to the area by miners hoping to gain their fortune. The British colonial governing forces at that time announced that miners, the majority of whom were Irish, would each need a licence to pan for gold on crown land there.

This was enormously expensive for the times, and set at one British pound per month. As a result of this, mass rallies were held by the miners who, among other things, demanded voting rights and the right to have a voice in creating the laws that were thrust upon them.

This was refused and, incredibly and stupidly so, the government upped the price of the licence to a staggering three pounds a month instead. The Eureka Stockade was the result, where miners took up arms against the authorities in open defiance.

The battle was short, fierce and very one-sided, with victory, such as it was, going to the heavily armed government troops. The long term outcome, however, was all that the miners had fought to achieve.

Answer: Blowing one's nose straight onto the ground

In the days when all but the most essential of items were considered an extravagance, many early farmers and manual laborers, working long hours and days away from home, simply cleaned out their noses by holding a finger against each nostril in turn, aiming for the ground, and blowing.

This of course not only required a great deal of accuracy on the part of the blower, but also the wind blowing in the right direction. It was simple, it did the job efficiently, and of course it was never carried out in front of women.

Answer: Men's very brief speedo swimming togs

These are the type of swimwear usually seen on professional springboard divers, water polo players, lifeguards and the like. Although board shorts are the much preferred swimwear by many other Australian males today (thankfully), there is still a certain proportion of speedo wearing men who cling to the idea that less is more when it comes to bathing costumes designed to apparently appeal to the ladies. Usually made out of nylon or other clinging material, these togs reduce drag in the water, but, when wet, do have a tendency to cling to the body and reveal all that lurks beneath the covers.

Hence the name budgie smugglers given to them by an irreverent population. Even when allowing for shrinkage from the cold water, it must be remarked that if the shape revealed does indeed resemble a budgerigar, then the poor little creature definitely needs to see an orthopaedic veterinarian specialist.

Answer: Dismissal from office

Born in 1916, Labour man Gough Whitlam was Australia's 21st Prime Minister. He was in office from 1972 until 1975 when he was dismissed from his position by the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr. Let me assure you all that this fine old politician was not dismissed from office for any criminal activity, but as a direct result of the country's constitutional crisis in 1975.

Indeed, during his time as PM, he made an incredible number of positive and forward-looking changes for the benefit of the Australian populace - some would say too quickly in fact - but the event that brought about his dismissal was his party's failure to ensure supply.

The appropriation bill approval, which was needed to allow the government to go ahead with its budget and fiscal policies, was held up in the senate by an opposition party vote of 30-29.

It was bloody-minded politics at its worst - but it worked. The Governor-General had no choice then but to act. With neither side backing down, John Kerr, in consultation with Australia's High Court Chief Justice, called Whitlam to his office on 6 November 1975, and he was dismissed as Prime Minister.

The most incredible uproar in the country's history followed, but the decision remained in place, and Australia found itself with a new Prime Minister instead - Liberal leader Malcolm Fraser of the opposition party.

Answer: The Brisbane annual Exhibition

With the official name of the Royal Queensland Show, but know less officially as the Brisbane Exhibition, most Queenslanders simply refer to this great annual exhibiton as the Brizzie Ekka. Brisbane is the capital city of the state of Queensland, and the Ekka features top of the range produce, prize stud animals and various other commodies from all over that beautiful state. It's a huge occasion and comes with hundreds of rides, kiosks and entertainment sideshows as well. Sample bags, filled with various sweets and goods, are also part of the tradition during this annual event, and hundreds of thousands of people pour through the gates all week long. It really has to be experienced to be appreciated. The following poem, "Blow the Show" by the writer Patricia O'Dempsey sums it up beautifully:

Brisbane Ekka! Show time's here!
Hot chips, fairy floss and beer!
Spend a penny! Spend a quid!
And - oh my Gawd, I've lost me kid!

Roll up, Roll up! Show time's here!
(Those sample bags have got damn dear)
Ferris wheel spins round so quick
And - oh my Gawd, me kid's been sick!

Animal stalls: "My, aren't they big?"
Oh Gawd, me kid's just kicked a pig!
Chair lift buzzing overhead
"Look out below! Too late!" he said

Snake pit show - soon to begin
He yells, "You tried to push me in!"
Big bulls pausing for a minute
And - oh my Gawd, me kid's trod in it!

Side show alley, stalls galore
(Oh my Gawd, me feet are sore)
People eating here and there...
Oh Gawd, me kid's spewed everywhere!

There's the Smiths....they're having fun...
Oh Gawd, me kid just punched their son!
Old Mrs Simpson's just ahead...
Me kid shouts, "I thought she was dead!"

Sights to see and things to do -
Oh Gawd, me kid's just done a poo!
Grabbed his arm quite tenderly
Me kid yells out, "Stop bashing me!"

Home at last - and am I glad!
Headache's never been this bad
Into bed...when to me horrer
Me kid yells, "Cin we go tomorrer?"

Answer: True

Australia is the flattest continent in the world, it is also the driest country in the world, and it's extremely hot in the summer months. Yet, it is true, we do receive more snow than the Swiss Alps. However, before you gasp in amazement, this needs to be qualified. Compared to the size of Switzerland, we are a very large country, and a small part of our country that is actually larger in size than all of Switzerland itself, receives up to several metres of snow in the winter months. That is in winter only however. For the remainder of the year, the snow has melted and the countryside blends in once again with the everyday appearance of the rest of Australia.

Answer: Tripped over or made a huge mistake

I'm sorry to inform you all that if the former happens to anyone, if that person has come a gutser and tripped over, that event is more likely than not to be met with gales of laughter. On a more serious level however, this term can be applied to many situations. Coming a gutser can mean someone has made a dreadful choice or miscalculation in life somehow, and failed dreadfully. An example of this would be a person investing all their hard-earned cash on a sure winner at the race track - only to have their horse come last. Refraining from describing that person as a "bloody mug" is just a trifle hard to do, because the effects of blowing the family savings on a nag at the race track can have devastating effects on the rest of that person's family.

Answer: A sheep

A jumbuck is just a term we use for a sheep. This rather large ball of wool usually proves more difficult than most to shear, and trying to round it up to get it into a pen can drive even the most experienced sheepdog to growls of frustration at times. Speaking of which, have you ever seen one of those beautiful dogs in action as they round up animals and herd them into various enclosures? They're just amazing to watch in action, experienced, skilled, and sharp as a tack, and the bond between dog and owner is an incredible thing to see.

Answer: They've passed wind

I'm pleased to inform you that I've never used such a distasteful expression in my life. The very idea! However, I'm sure you get the picture. This is a term that would definitely not be heard at a social event such as a fund-raising charity luncheon, or a meeting of the university faculty staff.

It's more likely to be heard on a building site, or at a football game, or in the obligatory pub which is so very much a unique part of our great and beautiful Australian landscape.