Point 1 - "Right hand circuit" means the same thing at every aerodrome in the country. Right circuit = right turns. Easiest way to remember.
Point 2 - My guess is either the controller meant to say "join right downwind runway 14", not 32 -- or they did, and you're remembering events incorrectly. Standard circuit direction is right on 14 and left on 32 at TN (i.e. all circuits flown away from the military hardstand area).
Approaching from the SE, an instruction to join right downwind for 14 would be completely standard, and expected if they had an aircraft on the 14 RNAV. Conversely, approaching from the SE and getting an instruction to join right downwind for 32 would be completely non-standard, and completely ambiguous, considering you're approaching in the opposite direction.
Golden ATC rule, especially with the RAAF -- if it sounds wrong or you're just not sure, ask for clarification in plain English.
@fujii - How would you "track direct to a right downwind" on runway 32 from the South East? It's impossible.