Yes, I'm sure that they would. A rat is a pig is a boy, remember that, LOL! Watch out for firebombs if they ever set up shop down there.
I know I've read your profile before, but always seem to forget that you're from Australia. My folks were just down there recently, on a cruise. New Zealand too. They had a great time.
Do people complain about dogs in Australia a lot?
We have fairly strict rules regarding keeping a dog on your property etc. Australia has a much narrower definition of "pitbull" than the US and Canada. Breeds such as Amstaffs, Bull Terriers and Staffordshires are not classed as "pitbulls" in Australia. In fact the Staffy is one of the most popular breeds. In the state where I come from it is the second most popular breed and it is noted for its excellent temperament. The breed started in England c1935 and has been in Australia since c1970. Breeders have made a point of making temperament an important aspect of the breed.