Australian timid, being pallid (4)
I believe the answer is:
ashy
'being pallid' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'australian timid' is the wordplay.
'australian' becomes 'A' (common abbreviation).
'timid' becomes 'shy' (similar in meaning).
'a'+'shy'='ASHY'
(Other definitions for ashy that I've seen before include "Like, eg, volcanic dust" , "pale greyish colour" , "Light grey" , "Like burnt wood or coal" , "Wan" .)