Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(Aus.) a phr. used to denote an unsatisfactory situation.

1978–99

G.A. Wilkes Dict. Aus. Colloquialisms 332/1: Tallarook, things are crook in Catchphrase for any adverse situation [f. rhyme on place-name]. Other catchphrases include: Bugger all at Blackall. There’s no work at Bourke. Got the arse at Bulli Pass. No lucre at Echuca. In jail at Innisfail. Things are weak at Julia Creek. Things are crook at Muswellbrook. The girls are bandy at Urandangie.