It is a tendency to cut down to size people who are perceived as being more successful, or smart, or achieving more than the average. You could say that this is an undesirable side-effect of Australian egalitarian values.

This is also a major difference between Australia and the US. While striving for success in anything you do is central to the American ethos, and success is correspondingly celebrated, success in Australia may be looked at suspiciously, with the notable exception of sports and entertainment.

For a good introduction to Australia for non-Australians, I would recommend “In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson, published under the title “Down Under” outside of the US.

http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html#T

Thanks for such an interesting blog, keep up the good work.