Muzza,
Basically yes to all of the usual reasons above but the sudden difference I notice as an Australian is more part of the latest fashion of very provocative and antagonistic verbal interaction here- extracting any emotion we can from any situation.
'Normal talk' is out since that was devised when life was tough and without similar harsh environment it is boring as hell and does not sell.
For example the coverage on the crap ethnic channel SBS and small town news reporting is much more conversational, as I would call it.
The big channels and about 32 reality shows have this latest fashion of interaction hitting workplaces in urban centres here like a tonne of bricks.

Only a fashion but I consider it a dangerous one. Most of the triggers for aggression are verbal so when you remove these limits you are left with a nation of slobs who possess no links to action.
And are generally unhappy without knowing why.


Karl.