“On average, Australians watch more than three hours of television a da...” — Hugh Mackay Quote

“On average, Australians watch more than three hours of television a day, compared with 12 minutes a day spent by the average couple talking to each other.”

“Reading is a huge effort for many people, a bore for others, and, believe it or not, many people prefer watching TV.”

“One reason we resist making deliberate choices is that choice equals change and most of us, feeling the world is unpredictable enough, try to minimise the trauma of change in our personal lives.”

“That was the big effect Lord of the Rings had on me. It was discovering New Zealand. And even more precious were the people- not at all like the Australians.”

“Australians are very provincial in many ways. If they feel that you've used them as a stepping stone to bigger things, they resent it.”

“The Australians are a weird bunch - until the cricket starts they're really friendly, saying 'good luck' all the time, but the moment the cricket begins they have a real go at you.”