The australian national dictionary took ten years to compile it is the product of the fullest and most detailed research ever undertaken into the history of the australian english vocabulary staff at the centre are currently working on a second edition of the australian national dictionary. The australian national dictionary and is a dictionary of australianisms it includes words and meanings that have originated in australia that have a greater currency within australia than elsewhere or that have a special significance in australian history. In the tradition of the oxford english dictionary the australian national dictionary centre a joint initiative of the australian national university and oxford university press published the australian national dictionary a dictionary of australianisms on historical principles in 1988oxford university press has been publishing in australia since 1908 and in recognition of this