Andy, as this problem is not limited to Safari, I wonder if the User or OS is at fault. To wit, if you create a new User and log in as that, does the problem persist?
Also, when you last upgraded your OS, was it via the Incremantal or Combo method? Reinstalling the Combo often resolves assorted ills and almost never makes matters worse. IMNHO, it's worth a try.
Parenthetically, as a child, my wife spent a year in Western Australia, and has many fond memories of such. Well, maybe not of Witchitty grubs...😱
