[StainlessSteelCynic]

A couple of things here.

The proven track record in desert environments wasn't as big a consideration as one might expect. A more important consideration for the Australian Army was range on full fuel load so in that aspect, I believe the Challenger 2 was the lead candidate. But the Abrams deal saved the government a bucket-load of cash plus it was also pre-fitted for network-centric warfare (thereby saving further costs). That coupled with the then Prime Minister's desire to strengthen the bond with the US... we all know the end result.

Not something widely known but Australia has had an Atomic Energy Commission since 1952 and we've had a nuclear reactor since 1958. It's located in Sydney, the suburb of Lucas Heights specifically.
It was used for research and the production of medical & industrial isotopes. As a byproduct, it also supplied electricity to the local area. It was replaced by a newer technology reactor in 2007.