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50 years on, Advance Australia Fair no longer reflects the values of many. What could replace it?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> On April 8 1974, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam announced to parliament the nation’s new national anthem: <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-anthem">Advance Australia Fair</a>. Australia was growing up. We could stop saving “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Save_the_King">our gracious Queen</a>” and rejoice in being “young” and “girt”. Finding a new anthem hadn’t been easy. There were unsuccessful <a href="https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/fact-sheets/australias-national-anthem">songwriting competitions</a> and an unconvincing opinion poll. Finally, we landed on rebooting an Australian favourite from 1878. After Whitlam’s announcement, Australians argued, state officials declined the change and the next government reinstated the British anthem in part. It took another ten years, another poll and an official proclamation in 1984 to adopt the new anthem uniformly and get on with looking grown-up. Advance Australia Fair was never the ideal answer to “what shall we sing?”. The original lyrics ignored First Nations people and overlooked women. Like a grunting teenager, it both answered the question and left a lot out. On its 50th anniversary, it’s time to consider whether we got it right. Advance Australia Fair may have helped Australia transition through the 1970s, but in 2024, has it outstayed its welcome? <h2>How do you pick a national anthem?</h2> A national anthem is a government-authorised song performed at official occasions and celebrations. It unifies people and reinforces national identity. Often, governments nominate a tune by searching through historical patriotic songs to find a <a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/golden-oldie">golden oldie</a> with known public appeal. For example, the lyrics of the Japanese anthem <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimigayo">Kimigayo</a> came from pre-10th-century poetry. Germany’s anthem <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Deutschlandlied">Deutschlandlied</a> adopted a 1797 melody from renowned composer <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Haydn">Joseph Haydn</a>. An enduring song or text offers star quality, proven popularity and the prestige of age. In the 1970s, Australia’s attempt at finding a golden oldie was flawed. In that era, many believed Australia’s birth occurred at the arrival of explorer <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/James-Cook">James Cook</a> in 1770. Hence, we narrowed our search to hymns, marches and fanfares from our colonial history for possible anthems. With 2020s hindsight (pun intended), <a href="https://theconversation.com/our-national-anthem-is-non-inclusive-indigenous-australians-shouldnt-have-to-sing-it-118177">expecting First Nations</a> people to sing Advance Australia Fair was hypocritical. We wanted to raise Australia’s visibility internationally, yet the custodians of the lands and waterways were unseen by our country’s eyes. We championed “history’s page” with a 19th-century song that participated in racial discrimination. <h2>Changing anthems</h2> With a half-century on the scoreboard, are we locked in to singing Advance Australia Fair forever? No. Anthems can change. Just ask <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Morrison_(jazz_musician)">James Morrison</a>. In 2003, the Australian trumpeter played the Spanish national anthem beautifully at the <a href="https://www.daviscup.com/en/home.aspx">Davis Cup</a> tennis final. Unfortunately, he <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2003-11-28/spanish-angry-over-anthem-mix-up/1516684">played the old anthem</a> that heralded civil war. Morrison’s accidental performance incited a fist-shaking dignitary and an enraged Spanish team who temporarily refused to play. Morrison did, however, to his embarrassment, later receive some excited fan mail from Spanish revolutionists. If we want to change our anthem, where could we begin? We could start by revisiting the golden-oldie approach with a more inclusive ear. Perhaps there’s a song from contemporary First Nations musicians we could consider, or a song from their enduring oral tradition that they deem appropriate (and grant permission to use). If we have learnt anything from Australian history, it’s that we must include and ask – not exclude and take. We could also consider Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton’s 1987 song <a href="https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/asset/101146-i-am-australian-various">I Am Australian</a>, which reached golden-oldie status last year when the <a href="https://www.nfsa.gov.au/slip-slop-slap-i-am-australian-join-sounds-australia">National Film and Sound Archive</a> added it to their registry. The lyrics show the acknowledgement and respect of First Nations people that our current anthem lacks. The line “we are one, but we are many” captures the inclusivity with diversity we now value. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrLTe1_9zso?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> I Am Australian wouldn’t be a problem-free choice. Musically, the style is a “light rock” song, not a grand “hymn”, which could be a plus or minus depending on your view. Lyrically, romanticising convicted killer <a href="https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/kelly-edward-ned-3933">Ned Kelly</a> is controversial, and mispronouncing “Australians” could be considered inauthentic (fair dinkum Aussies say “Au-strail-yins”, not “Au-stray-lee-uhns”). That said, Australians are quite experienced at patching holes in our anthem. Advance Australia Fair required many adjustments. If the golden-oldie approach fails again, how about composing a new anthem? We could adopt <a href="https://nationalanthems.info/ke.htm">Kenya’s approach</a> of commissioning an anthem, or could revive the good ol’ songwriting competition. Our past competitions weren’t fruitful, but surely our many talented musicians and poets today can meet the challenge. <h2>It’s time to ask</h2> Fifty years on, we acknowledge Advance Australia Fair as the anthem that moved our nation forward. That was the first and hardest step. Today, if Australians choose, we can retire the song gracefully and try again with a clearer voice. Changing our anthem begins with asking whether the current song really declares who we are. Have our values, our perspectives and our identity changed in half a century? Australia, it’s your song. Are you happy to sing Advance Australia Fair for another 50 years? <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226737/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/wendy-hargreaves-1373285">Wendy Hargreaves</a>, Senior Learning Advisor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-years-on-advance-australia-fair-no-longer-reflects-the-values-of-many-what-could-replace-it-226737">original article</a>. Images: Shutterstock | Wikimedia Commons

Music

"Nat Bass gaff": Huge national anthem blunder at Bathurst 1000

They say "old habits die hard", and it seems not even celebrities are immune after Natalie Bassingthwaighte made an embarrassing mistake on the grid at the Bathurst 1000. On Sunday, thousand of race fans flocked to Mount Panorama in the Central West of NSW to watch the annual battle between Holden and Ford as the drivers prepared for 161 laps amount the mountain. Before the drivers set off, former Rogue Traders lead singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte stood on the grid to perform the Australian National Anthem. Unfortunately, she appeared to make one major mistake during her performance. On January 1st 2021, the national anthem made a change in the opening verse, with the second line changing from “For we are young and free” to “For we are one and free”. Bassingthwaighte, however, is seemingly a creature of habit as she appeared to sing the old version of the anthem ahead of the historic race. The mistake didn’t get past those watching on from home with several users online pointing out the error. “Oh no Nat Bass gaff during Bathurst national anthem ‘for we are young and free’ and so close to our Voice referendum,” one wrote. Another added, “She sung the old version, not the new one.” The anthem was changed under Scott Morrison's government, who said while announcing the change it was “only right” the anthem reflected and acknowledged First Nations people. “While Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, our country’s story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect,” Mr Morrison said. “In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we ensure our national anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation." “Changing ‘young and free’ to ‘one and free’ takes nothing away, but I believe it adds much. It recognises the distance we have travelled as a nation." Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Musical mastermind pens King Charles’ coronation anthem

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has been revealed as the creative driving force behind King Charles III’s coronation anthem. Webber’s work is one of 12 commissioned, and personally selected by Charles, for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on the 6th of May. The piece includes words adapted from Psalm 98, and is scored specifically for the abbey’s choir and organ to encourage “joyful noise”. "I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to compose a new anthem for The Coronation," Webber said in a statement from Buckingham Palace. "I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion." The coronation’s program is set to include older music and newer compositions in a bid to reflect Britain in 2023 by merging the traditional and the modern. "The decision to combine old and new reflects the cultural breadth of the age in which we live,'' said organist and master of choristers at Westminster Abbey Andrew Nethsingha. "Coronations have taken place in Westminster Abbey since 1066,” he added, “it has been a privilege to collaborate with his majesty in choosing fine musicians and accessible, communicative music for this great occasion." The ceremony will also include pieces by English composers William Byrd, Edward Elgar, Henry Walford Davies, William Walton, Hubert Parry, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as German-British composer George Frideric Handel and contemporary Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. The musical talents of Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, Debbie Wiseman, Tarik O'Regan, and Paul Mealor will also be featured. Altogether, 12 pieces were commissioned and created for the event - six orchestral, five choral, and one organ. Additionally, it is said the coronation will include personal touches, one of such a musical tribute to Charles’ father, Prince Philip. Philip was born a prince of both Greece and Denmark, and was in the line of succession for both thrones. As such, King Charles III requested Greek Orthodox music be played, to be performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble. While many specifics are still unknown, many have no doubt that the 18th century hymn Zadok the Priest will feature. After all, it has been played at every coronation since 1727, when it was commissioned for King George. As Buckingham Palace said in a statement, “a range of musical styles and performers blend tradition, heritage and ceremony with new musical voices of today, reflecting The King's lifelong love and support of music and the arts.” And for those eager to hear even more of the music surrounding the event, a concert is set to be held at Windsor Castle the following night on May 7, with many international headlining acts rumoured to play. Images: Getty

Music

UK national anthem undergoes change now Charles is King

After 70 years of singing ‘God save the Queen’, Brits will be faced with a change to their national anthem, prompted by the shock death of Queen Elizabeth II. With King Charles III to take the throne, the national anthem will change to God Save the King. Though nearly all of the lyrics will stay the same, there will be some key replacements: ‘queen’ with ‘king’, and ‘she’ and ‘her’ swapped for ‘he’ and ‘him’. The change will see the anthem return to its original title, as it was first publicly performed in 1745 after Prince Charles Edward Stuart defeated the army of King George II at Prestonpas, according to the royal family’s <a href="https://www.royal.uk/national-anthem" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>. It became the national anthem at the beginning of the 19th century, with the lyrics changing when a King or Queen takes the throne. Queen Elizabeth II began her reign in 1952, when she was 25, resulting in the lyrics changing from ‘God save the King’ during her father King George VI’s reign to ‘God save the Queen’. Image: Getty Images

Music

Broadcaster apologises for offensive bungle

A Dutch public broadcaster has been forced to apologise for wrongly subtitling the German national anthem using Nazi-era lyrics while it was being played before the team’s Euro 2020 match against England. NPO issued the apology on Twitter, with the account saying “the wrong verse was accidentally shown” and apologising to viewers who were offended by the error during the match on the morning of Wednesday, June 30 (AEST). “During the live subtitling of the German national anthem at the European Championship match England-Germany, the wrong verse was displayed by mistake,” NPO said on Twitter. “This was a mistake by one of our subtitlers. We apologise to viewers who were disturbed by this.” The verse beginning with the words “Deutschland, Deutschland ueber alles” was removed in 1945 following the end of World War II due to its association with the Nazi regime. The lyrics include the line “Germany, above all, above everything in the world” - which summed up Hitler’s desire to take over the world. Image: NPO

Mind

National anthem Advance Australia Fair changed to reflect Indigenous history

Over 140 years after it was originally composed and performed, Advance Australia Fair is being updated once again in a move the Prime Minister says reflects a "spirit of unity". On January 1, the second line of the national anthem was changed to "For we are one and free" from "For we are young and free". governor-General David Hurley has agreed to the Commonwealth's recommendation to change the anthem for the first time since 1984. Scott Morrison made a statement, saying the change was made to represent all Australians. "During the past year we have showed once again the indomitable spirit of Australians and the united effort that has always enabled us to prevail as a nation," he said. "It is time to ensure this great unity is reflected more fully in our national anthem. "Also, while Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, our country's story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect. "In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we ensure our national anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation. "Changing 'young and free' to 'one and free' takes nothing away, but I believe it adds much." Composer Deborah Cheetham is a Yorta Yorta woman and says the change is long overdue. "It's an important acknowledgement. The word young has underestimated the lives that have lived on this continent for some millennia," the soprano and educator said. First Nations Foundation chairman and Yorta Yorta man Ian Hamm also welcomed the change, which was suggested last year by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. "In terms of culture, society, and population, we go back 60,000 years. We're very definitely not young," he said. "We should regard ourselves as a nation that's bonded, as opposed to being divided, and we should recognise our Indigenous history as part of our Australian history. "'One and free' looks for what brings us together. It's actually a focal point for that discussion about who we are as a country. "I think it's a really good change." But Labor Wiradjuri woman Linda Burney said more needed to be done. "It flies in the face, of course, of the Government saying that they want to work with Aboriginal people, but the real issue is a constitutionally enshrined voice," she said. Advance Australia Fair was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878.

Music

"That one word might make a difference"

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced she believes the national anthem should be changed to better reflect Australia’s Indigenous history. Ms Berejiklian has called for a change to the lyrics of the anthem so it declares “we are one and free” instead of “we are young and free”. Her comments follow after Indigenous advocate and TV personality Brooke Boney says she’s “sick of the discussions” and that it is time to change the lyrics of the Australian national anthem to better acknowledge First Nations people. Boney, a Gamilaroi woman, informed Nine’s Today show on Wednesday morning that the current lyrics didn’t honour Indigenous Australians enough. “I get sick of having these discussions and people throw their toys out of the cot and we can’t have a mature and sensible reaction to our future as a nation,” she said. “We’re not young and free when the government refuses to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14. “We are not young and free when every kid in a Northern Territory juvenile facility is black. “It doesn’t pay tribute to the fact that this is the home – all of us are a part of this incredible legacy of the oldest continuous culture of anywhere in the world. If we can’t recognise it in our anthem, then where can we recognise that?” Ms Berejiklian on Wednesday went on to publicly throw her support behind the “very small” word change. She declared that it mattered and would “make such a difference” to Indigenous Australians. “I feel hurt for people who don’t feel that the national anthem includes them,” Ms Berejiklian said on Sunrise. “We have a very proud Indigenous culture of tens of thousands of years on this continent, so to say we are young and free ignores that. “I think it would be appropriate for us to acknowledge that we are all united and we have a very proud, long history of Indigenous First Nations here in Australia and I think that should be reflected in our anthem.” Ms Berejiklian has called for a national discussion on the topic. Multiple Indigenous NRL players have been refusing to sing the anthem and say it does not reflect their story as First Nations people. “That one word might make a difference to some people,” Ms Berejiklian told Today. “After the horrible year we’ve had, I just really appreciate as a leader how important it is to bring people together, how important it is to include our history in total and that’s why I’m supporting this one word change.” The Premier also said the anthem had been changed in the past. “When I was a very young child, I remember changing back then,” she said. “When I was a kid it was ‘Australian sons let us rejoice’ and it’s been changed to ‘Australians all let us rejoice’.” Ms Berejiklian said she wanted to speak up about the issue because she felt passionately about wanting to support Indigenous communities. She said her own pride in her Armenian background also informed her view. However the word change hasn’t swayed every politician, including federal Nationals Senator Matt Canavan who says he didn’t like it. “I don’t think the writers of this anthem when they say ‘young’ are intending any kind of offence here,” he said during a heated debate with Northern Territory Labor Senator Malarndirri McCarthy on Today. “We are a young nation. We have old civilisations and we have a rich history over tens of thousands of years but we are a young country. That is something important to recognise as well. “So I just think it is another example of people taking offence when there was no offence intended.”

News

Australia reacts to NRL State of Origin's "coward" decision

The NRL has been heavily criticised by a number of commentators after they backflipped on plans to scrap the national anthem from its State of Origin Series. Prime Minister Scott Morrison even spoke up to ensure Advance Australia Fair would be played before this year’s matches between NSW and Queensland after furious backlash. However, despite the league changing its mind, they are still copping a lashing. Sky News host Chris Smith said the NRL “took the coward’s way out” with its original move to ban the anthem, adding it was “one of the most pathetic decisions ever made by a sporting organisation”. “A group of Indigenous Origin players refused to sing the anthem last year as a protest against the white invasion of Australia,” he said. “So to avoid embarrassment, (NRL CEO Andrew) Abdo took the coward’s way out and banned the anthem altogether. “The Australian anthem will now be played as it always should be,” Smith added. “As for the stance taken by some indigenous players, the NRL holds an indigenous round each year, has a great history of giving skilled indigenous players opportunities they wouldn‘t normally receive, and the code’s charity work in Aboriginal communities is second to none. “Those players should be using their status to unite black and white and commemorate the code’s indigenous history, not divide young fans of the game and guilt the NRL into no longer celebrating this great country.” The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent said that the NRL’s political posturing needs to come to an end. “Why the NRL continues to try to position itself in political matters is something the game has not explained,” Kent wrote. “Sporting codes should represent everybody and not decide who is wrong or right, or force those who love their game to have to get behind a political position they don’t support. “Nobody tells NRL fans whether they should vote Liberal or Labor, and the rest of politics should be the same.” 2GB radio host Jim Wilson said the correction was “common sense”. “It’s an event of national significance and it’s our national anthem,” he tweeted. “The public has spoken and I’m glad the NRL had a rethink … This year more than ever we need to be united.” However sports journalist Brad Walters said the backflip was “not representative of the public’s view”. “Advance Australia Fair is divisive and offensive,” he tweeted. “I feel uncomfortable whenever it is played because of the hurt it causes Indigenous Australians. I’ve felt strongly about this for a long time and will continue to try to educate others.” Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons had his own opinion and took aim at Morrison for saying it had never been more important to come together and sing the anthem as one after a year of “struggle and heartbreak”. “Yes, Prime Minister. After a very tough year of plague and pestilence, of lockdown and a languishing economy, having the league players sing the national anthem will make it all better,” he wrote. Peter van Onselen from The Project also took issue with the Prime Minister getting involved. “Personally I think the national anthem should be played at the State of Origin,” he tweeted. “But a PM calling to demand it gets played feels like throwing ones weight around.” NSW coach Brad Fittler didn’t seem to have an opinion on the situation, saying “I’m not good at politics, I try to stay out of it,“ he said. “If they play it, they play it. If they don’t, they don’t. We’re there for a game of footy. “I do think it‘s time, the landscape has changed a little bit, to maybe revise the words or have a look at it, where they ask everyone in Australia.”

News

Peter Dutton weighs in on anthem word change

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has revealed he is not opposed to the idea of the national anthem being altered, however thinks Australians need to worried about more pressing, urgent matters. The minister has spoken out after news travelled that Australian sporting legend Cathy Freeman announced <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/olympian-cathy-freeman-calls-for-change-to-australian-national-anthem" target="_blank">she supported a lyric being changed in the Advance Australia Fair to pay respect to Indigenous Australians.</a> In the first verse, "we are young and free" would become "we are one and free". Minister Dutton told 2GB on Thursday that he was “not opposed” to the change “if that provides more comfort to people”. He went on to say Cathy Freeman has been one of the "greatest Australians" that has not received enough recognition for the work done helping indigenous kids in her post-sporting career. "I really think that should be recognised and I think her views should be respected," he said. Apart from the national anthem debate however, Dutton says he’d like to focus on improving the lives of indigenous children. "There are boys and girls who are being sexually assaulted in Aboriginal communities today," Mr Dutton said. He also took the opportunity on live radio to make a stab at the athletes and footy players who have refused to sing the national anthem. "It annoys me beyond description...I think it is an outrage," he said. "If you represent our country, you do so on the basis that you are proud and you sing the national anthem." Cathy Freeman first established a foundation in her name in 2007 to help indigenous children and their families.

News

Olympian Cathy Freeman calls for change to Australian national anthem

Olympic sportswoman Cathy Freeman has broken her long-held silence on the Australian national anthem debate by voicing her agreement with campaigners to change “disrespectful” lyrics. Freeman is part of a growing number of Australian sports stars who are rallying behind a movement to change a lyrics in Advance Australia Fair, out of respect to Indigenous people. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B82boPJg2Iv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B82boPJg2Iv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Australian Indigenous Clothing (@ngali_australia)</a> on Feb 21, 2020 at 5:20pm PST </div> </blockquote> The song contains the words “we are young and free”. Indigenous Australians are objecting to the word “young” because they have been on the land for thousands of years. Campaigners are calling for the words to be changed to “one and free”. Victorian Supreme Court judge Peter Vickery QC founded the Recognition in Anthem Project to change the words. And on Tuesday Freeman publicly announced her support behind the project, telling <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/cathy-freeman-backs-move-to-alter-national-anthems-lyrics/news-story/c08e8bae6a6f37c073470aabd243409a" target="_blank">The Australian:</a> “I agree with Peter Vickery that the national anthem doesn't acknowledge indigenous existence in Australia.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Neeisg_kN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Neeisg_kN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Trackwired (@trackwired)</a> on Feb 5, 2020 at 7:36pm PST </div> </blockquote> Several indigenous NRL players, including Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr and Will Chambers, refused to sing the anthem before State of Origin last year in an act of protest. Advance Australia Fair was chosen in a 1977 plebiscite by just over 8.4 million voters who chose the song over God Save the Queen, Waltzing Matilda and Song of Australia. The song was composed by Scottish-born Peter Dodds McCormick who first performed it in 1878 and was sung in Australia as a patriotic song. Later it was used at the start of official functions and the ABC used the melody to announce its news bulletins until 1952. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B20-xVggeb_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B20-xVggeb_/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jackets With A Voice (@ginnysgirlgang)</a> on Sep 25, 2019 at 1:40am PDT </div> </blockquote> Cathy Freeman first made her mark on a national scale when she became the first Indigenous Australian person to become a Commonwealth Games champion at just 16-years-old in 1990. Ten years later she won gold in the 400m at the Sydney Olympics.

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Advance Australia Fair: Major changes to Australian anthem

It is over 140 years old, but for the first time, national anthem Advance Australia Fair has been rewritten to include the experiences of Indigenous Australians. The new lyrics were performed on the opening night of the annual Desert Song Festival in Alice Springs on Friday. The anthem has been tweaked by Recognition in Anthem, a group of Australians who hope the changes to the song will become official. Martin Haskett, who is a committee member told the ABC news the rewrite was made to “facilitate reconciliation”. "Our current anthem doesn't recognise Indigenous people of this country — the ambition was to create something that spoke to everyone in Australia," Mr Haskett said. The new version will celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginals who have existed and lived in Australia for 60,000 years. The line “for we are young and free,” has been tweaked to “for we are one and free”. Mr Haskett said he wanted the new lyrics to “resonate with people”. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.3953488372093px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7830545/australian-anthem-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f4958313a63b48ff823b8d0f13a58291" /> "That acceptance in the Aboriginal community shows that it has a future," he said.The performance comes after half of the Indigenous team refused to sing the national anthem before the start of their NRL game against the Indigenous All Stars and Maori All Stars. Blake Ferguson, Latrell Mitchell and skipper Cody Walker were the team members who chose to remain silent, while the song was being played. All six Indigenous footy players refused to sing the anthem during game two of the State of Origin this year. Maroon's fullback Kalyn Ponga, centre Dane Gagai, second-row Josh Papalii and centre Will Chambers didn’t sing the song in protest. Blues centre Blake Ferguson and wing Josh Addo-Carr also followed suit. The players’ protest comes amid claims Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker lost their spots in the NSW Blues for refusing to sing the anthem in the first game of the series. Aboriginal boxing champion Anthony Mundine has also chose not to stand and sing the national anthem, which he believes is for “white supremacists”.

Domestic Travel

Queensland schoolgirl threatened with suspension after refusing to stand for national anthem

A nine-year-old schoolgirl is facing suspension after she refused to stand for Australia’s national anthem. Brisbane’s Kenmore South State School student Harper Nielsen, chose to protest against Advance Australia Fair, as she claimed it was not inclusive of indigenous Australians. <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/pauline-hanson-labels-australian-anthem-schoolgirl-a-brat/news-story/ce59f6b224bbd79360a049a4d7a9ea8c">The Courier-Mail</a> reported that the Year 4 student was given an ultimatum of either standing or leaving the building. When she refused to do either, the school issued Harper a detention card for “blatant disrespect.” She was then told that she could leave the office premises until she had signed a written apology and that she could be suspended. The event that occurred has caused major outrage throughout radio and television. Infamous Alan Jones and controversial commentator Mark Latham believes Harper was “defying the school.” “We used to have special schools for children with behaviour problems,” said Latham on the 4BC radio show. “Not standing is a behavioural problem, so kick her out.” Jones agreed with Latham’s sentiments, as he too was furious at the young girl’s decision. “What on earth do you do … other than call the parents in and say ‘listen, these are the rules here if you don’t like them you do as we say or go somewhere else because we’re not accommodating you.” Speaking to The Courier-Mail, Harper said that the line in the national anthem, “for we are young and free”, excluded Aboriginal people who lived in Australia for tens of thousands of years post-colonisation. Jones who was offended by this statement said that “colonisation brought the kind of tremendous wealth that all Australians now enjoy.” Latham went on to add: “The school only exists because of colonisation, what sort of fools are these?” But despite the grilling on 4BC, Harper has received a lot of support online. “I do applaud her for considering the words of the national anthem, a lot of people just rattle it off and don’t consider the meaning and I also applaud her strength of character to stand up for what she believes in,” said Today show host Georgie Gardner. But co-host Karl Stefanovic attacked the parents, believing they’re the real problem. “Her parents are obviously supporting her, and I think that’s the big problem here, her parents are supporting her in a way that I don’t think is appropriate,” he said. “The schools have rules, I’m exasperated by this this morning so if you don’t like that as a parent, if you don’t like that your child will have to stand for the anthem then go somewhere else. Schools have rules and they have to be abided by.” Whose side are you on? Let us know in the comments below.

Legal

A comical anthem for older ladies

In a musical display that is too often lacking in today’s pop culture, singer Donnalou Stevens has created this hilarious anthem, “Older Ladies” which celebrates the defiantly proud, sagging and greying females everywhere. We’d describe it to you but that just wouldn’t be doing it justice. Watch it for yourself above. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/07/senior-retirement-community-calendar/">Retirement community dress up as iconic characters for calendar</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/07/rhino-finds-home-after-poaching/">A young orphaned rhino finds a home</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/07/sugary-drinks-linked-to-deaths/">Sugary drinks linked to 184,000 global deaths a year</a>

Music

MP calls for new national anthem verse

Advance Australia Fair could be set to undergo an overhaul as Coalition MP Andrew Laming has suggested a new verse to better reflect ‘Australian’ values. Mr Laming, Liberal member for the Brisbane seat of Bowman, told <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank">Fairfax Media</a> the new verse should reflect larrikinism, resilience and sense of reward for effort. Mr Laming said, “I think that the only way national anthems can distinguish themselves is through their values, and I do feel our current second verse has pretty much the same message as the first verse.” Instead, Mr Laming suggests a “a first verse that focuses on our natural attributes and a second one that focuses on values”, while touching on our “jocular sense of humour”, how we “come from blends of many backgrounds”, and how Australia is “a young nation”. But not everyone is convinced. Queensland LNP colleague George Christensen told <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/" target="_blank">Fairfax Media</a>, "I think the national anthem is just fine as it is, along with the flag." But Mr Laming, who courted controversy earlier in the year with the suggestion that teachers were lazy, didn’t back down and said he would support a complete overhaul. "I'm no great fan of our current national anthem, to be honest," Mr Laming said. "If you're going to contemplate a new verse you should contemplate a new national anthem." Written by Peter Dodds McCormick, Advance Australia Fair became the national anthem after beating Waltzing Matilda, Song of Australia and the incumbent God Save the Queen in a national vote in 1984. What’s your take? Do you think Advance Australia Fair could benefit from a new verse? Or is it time for a complete overhaul? Share your thoughts in the comments.

News

Anthem of the Seas rocked by another massive storm

When it comes to weather Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas just can’t take a trick! For the second time this year the mega-ocean liner has been rocked by treacherous conditions, this time in the wake of Post-Tropical Cyclone Hermine. Passengers took to Twitter to report dicey conditions after the ship departed Bayonne, New Jersey, as the ship was caught in whipping winds and thrashing waves. Some passengers complained of sea sickness, constant swaying and even flying dishes. The storms unexpected movement threw the Anthem of the Seas’ crew off, who had changed the course days before departure in a bid to avoid the natural event. Omar Torres, a spokesman for Royal Caribbean, told <a href="http://www.mashable.com/" target="_blank">Mashable</a>, “Our plan was to stay 240 nautical miles away from the storm." But by the time the forecast was revised the ship wound out in the right front quadrant of the storm where the winds are generally considered to be the strongest. The Anthem of the Seas is the same mega liner that <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/02/massive-storm-hit-a-cruise-ship/">endured damage in February</a> when it sailed into hurricane force winds off the coast of North Carolina. Have you ever endured dicey conditions on a cruise? Let us know in the comments section! Video credit: YouTube / exarkun111378 Related links: <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/02/massive-storm-hit-a-cruise-ship/">Watch this massive storm hit a cruise liner</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/08/6-things-to-expect-if-your-cruise-hits-a-storm/">6 things to expect if your cruise hits a storm</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/08/worlds-most-dangerous-cruise-about-to-set-sail/">World’s most dangerous cruise about to set sail</a>

Cruising

Damaged cruise ship narrowly escapes second storm

A cruise ship that was battered by a major Atlantic storm earlier this month was headed back to its home port recently as another squall and a norovirus outbreak threatened its current voyage. Royal Caribbean tweeted on that the Anthem of the Seas ship will return to the port of Bayonne, New Jersey, "immediately to avoid a severe storm and provide guests with a comfortable journey back home.'' "On a recent sailing, Anthem of the Seas experienced bad weather that was much worse than forecast; therefore, we want to be extra cautious about our (guests') safety and comfort when it comes to weather in the area.'' Cynthia Martinez, a spokeswoman for the Miami-based cruise line, told WNBC-TV in New York City. John Turell, an executive with The Associated Press who is aboard the ship with his wife, said in an email that the ship's captain and its cruise director have made announcements about the norovirus. However, it's not clear how many people have been affected by the illness. Representatives for the Miami-based cruise line have not responded to repeated requests for comment "Sanitation levels on the ship have been boosted,'' said Turell, the AP's regional television executive for the Northeast. John Turell, an executive with The Associated Press who is aboard the ship with his wife, said in an email that the ship's captain and its cruise director have made announcements about the norovirus. However, it's not clear how many people have been affected by the illness. Representatives for the Miami-based cruise line have not responded to repeated requests for comment "Sanitation levels on the ship have been boosted,'' said Turell, the AP's regional television executive for the Northeast. "(Ship) workers are scurrying around like ants, scrubbing down handrails, tables and any other surfaces that can be washed.'' He noted that life aboard the ship "appears quite normal'' other than the very visible increased sanitation efforts. Turell said passengers were told Saturday night that the cruise was being cut two days short because of a storm developing off Cape Hatteras. As a result, planned stops in Barbados and St. Kitts were being skipped and the ship was expected to arrive at its home port on Wednesday morning. The voyage's premature end comes just weeks after the Anthem of the Seas made headlines for another stormy incident. The ship was damaged a day after it set sail on Feb. 6 when it encountered 30-foot (9-meter) waves and hurricane force winds, and its 4,500 passengers hunkered down for hours. One passenger's lawsuit claims that people had to hold onto their beds to keep from falling and injuring themselves. First appeared on <a href="http://www.Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/03/how-to-make-cruise-ship-towel-animals/">How to make cruise ship towel animals</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/03/inside-worlds-biggest-cruise-ship/">Inside one of the world’s biggest cruise ships</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/cruising/2016/02/can-the-historic-queen-elizabeth-2-cruise-ship-be-saved/">Can the historic Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ship be saved?</a>

Cruising

Watch this massive storm hit a cruise liner

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has withstood heavy winds and 30-foot seas in a frightening storm off the south-east US coast this week, with the captain ordering everyone back to their cabins. By Sunday afternoon the storm was boasting 160km/h winds –equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane. The ship had more than 4,500 passengers and 1,600 crew members abroad, but thankfully due to the quick thinking of the captain no one was seriously hurt. The Anthem of the Seas remained seaworthy and much of the damaged appeared to be superficial. The ship took off from New Jersey and was expected to make stops in Port Canaveral, Florida, and the Bahamas, but was made to turn around to the impact of the storm. Watch it hit in the video above. Related links: <a href="/travel/cruising/2015/12/most-luxurious-cruising-suites-in-the-world/">12 most luxurious cruising suites in the world</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2016/01/images-from-the-golden-age-of-cruising/">10 images from the golden age of cruising</a> <a href="/travel/cruising/2015/12/cruising-by-yourself/">8 reasons to go on a cruise by yourself</a>

Cruising

Government backs school over national anthem backlash

The Education department has backed the school that invited students to leave assembly during the singing of the national anthem.At a recent assembly that has since sparked a national debate over the issue, Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School told Shiite Muslim students they could leave during the singing of Advance Australia Fair because it was a religious month of mourning.Principal Cheryl Irving supported the move, saying the school's Shiite students were observing Muharram, a month of mourning that marks the death of Imam Hussein.“During this time Shiite do not participate in joyful events, including listening to music or singing, as it is a period of mourning,” she told The Age.The school prides itself on being multicultural, with their school slogan being “many children, one culture”.“Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School supports all its staff and students in their religious and cultural observances,” Ms Irving said.The move has however infuriated Lorraine McCurdy, who has grandchildren at the school. She told 3AW radio that up to 40 students left the room.“Two children got up and said 'welcome to our assembly'. With that, a teacher came forward and said all those who feel it's against their culture may leave the room,” she said.“I saw red. I'm Australian and I felt 'you don't walk out on my national anthem; that's showing respect to my country.”Independent Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie also weighed in, describing the situation as “disgusting”.An Education Department spokesperson supported the school and said schools should be inclusive of all students.“This includes understanding and respecting religious or cultural observances.”Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott said schools commonly catered to the beliefs of “religious and non-religious students”."We are aware that this is a time of religious observance and singing the anthem has never been an issue for these students before,” he told The Age.Islamic Council of Victoria secretary Kuranda Seyit said the situation had been misunderstood."I think that it’s important that we don't blow this out of proportion, and understand that the national anthem is something that Muslims take great pride in singing.  In this particular incident it happened at a time when they were not allowed to sing and I think we should respect that choice.”Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/10/queen-style-secrets/">The Queen’s style secrets revealed</a><a href="/news/news/2015/10/william-and-harry-build-homes-for-veterans/">Watch William and Harry build homes for veterans</a><a href="/news/news/2015/09/sam-smith-bond-theme-song/">New James Bond theme song released</a>

News

Australia to sing national anthem in unison?

The National Australia Day Council (NADC) has said that want Australia to join together and sing Advance Australia Fair in unison come Australia Day. The NADC’s chief executive, Jeremy Lasek, told 666 ABC Canberra, “In Sydney at the harbour it will happen with a great deal of pomp and ceremony on the new Navy vessel HMAS Canberra with a 21-gun salute”.“While in the ACT the biggest event is a concert in Commonwealth Park where the national anthem will be played and sung with great passion and energy.”Although the complete anthem is four versus long, the proposal from the NADC is to sing the two verses acknowledged as the national anthem.While some have suggested some of the lines – which were written in the late 1800s – are archaic and do not reflect current Australian ideas, the NADC has dismissed these concerns.“I think Australians generally love the anthem, it is not universally supported but I don't know of a song that is,” Mr Lasek said.“It is our anthem and I think it is a great way to unite the nation on Australian Day.“We certainly encourage people to get involved and take that moment to think about Australia Day and what is great about being Australian and belt out our national anthem.” The council hopes the idea will be adopted at ceremonies across the country, similar to the minute of silence held on Remembrance Day.

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