Prime Minister Scott Morrison has kicked off the New Year by announcing a key change to the national anthem after critics argued the lyric “we are young and free” was disrespectful to Australia’s Aboriginal history.
The second line of Advance Australia Fair will change from “For we are young and free” to “For we are one and free” from today.
The Governor-General Hon David Hurley has agreed to the government’s recommendation to change the wording.
Mr Morrison said the change was made to reflect the view of 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,” the Prime Minister said.
“It is time to ensure this great unity is reflected more fully in our national anthem.
“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.
Mr Morrison said the lyric change added “much value” to the anthem.
“It recognises the distance we have travelled as a nation. It recognises our national story is drawn from more than 300 national ancestries and language groups and we are the most successful multicultural nation on earth,” he said.
“It reaffirms our resolve as one of the world’s oldest democracies, while honouring the foundations upon which our nation has been built and the aspirations we share for the future.”
There have been calls to change the national anthem for years, with most criticism directed at the second line for its failure to recognise Aboriginal history prior to colonisation.
Last year, members of the NRL Indigenous team refused to sing the anthem prior to the Indigenous All Stars and Maori All Stars match.
Nine State of Origin stars also refused to sing the anthem before game one of 2019 series at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, including Blues stars Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and Payne Haas.
Maroons stars Josh Papalii, Dane Gagai, Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Napa and Will Chambers also boycotted the anthem.
