"I find the works of quite a few Australian authors in the library these days."

Yes, so do I. Australian fantasy writers seem to have finally reached some sort of critical mass and are claiming a place at the front of the world literary stage.

A few I really like:
Margo Lanagan-Her first collection of short stories published in the US, 'Black Juice', is nothing short of stunning.

K.J. Bishop-Her dark, baroque novel, 'The Etched City', was nominated for a World Fantasy Award in 2004. www.kjbishop.net/

Justine Larbalestier-This Sydneysider's first book, the nonfiction 'The Battle of the Sexes in Science Fiction', was shortlisted for a Hugo award. Her first novel 'Magic and Madness' is wonderful and widely available as it was published by Penguin in the US.
www.justinelarbalestier.com/index.htm

For a good introduction to thirty Australian writers of fantasy/sci-fi/speculative literature check out Zoran Zivkovic & Geoffrey Maloney's anthology 'The Devil in Brisbane' (publsihed by Prime Books ISBN: 0-8095-5086-5)

Two more excellent introductory volumes are 'The Year's Best Australian Science Fiction & Fantasy' edited by Bill Congreve & Michelle Marquardt (also published by Prime-this is a fantastic publisher-ISBN: 0-8095-5059-8) and 'Dreaming Down-Under' edited by Jack Dann and Janeen Webb (A World Fantasy Award winner. ISBN: 0312878125)