I thought Aussies are usually pretty good, thought they are usually pro-American.
Compared to the Kiwis they certainly are, but the Unions are pretty strong there and Aussies like to argue just for fun. I found the Kiwis to be much more like the British and the Aussies tended to be more American culturally. Most younger Aussies really wanted to come to America and I usually got a lot of questions about how life was here, from them.
You are right. I have heard about the strong union in Australia. Overall, they are great people.