i would like to to know if i am required to get a visa to transit in Guangzhou New Baiyun (CAN) on an australian passport

If you transit Guangzhou New Baiyun Airport for less than 24 hours and won't leave the airport, a transit visa is not required. If you want to go to the city to visit or stay at a hotel for one night outside the airport, the transit time is less than 24 hours, you can try to apply for 24 hours stay permit when you arrive in the airport.