Opinion: Change the anthem, it’s the right thing to do
Substituting just one word in the opening couplet of Advance Australia Fair is the right thing, and it’s not a big ask. Just do it, writes Kylie Lang. VOTE IN THE POLL
Kylie Lang
Don't miss out on the headlines from Kylie Lang. Followed categories will be added to My News.
I’m with Gladys. Change the national anthem. Substituting “one” for “young” in the opening couplet of Advance Australia Fair is the right thing, and it’s not a big ask. Just do it.
People wedded to the existing anthem will not lose anything by switching out a single word, but those aggrieved by the notion that Australia is young when it has a rich culture dating back tens of thousands of years stand to gain something.
Indigenous Affairs Minister backs Gladys Berejiklian’s anthem change, but Matt Canavan opposed
It might not be the biggest of wins - there are far greater issues facing Indigenous Australians than how we sing a song – but it’s a win all the same.
How very bizarre of Nationals Senator Matt Canavan to argue the change would represent “an unfortunate tarnishing of our forefathers and foremothers”.
It’s quite the opposite.
While Australia was federated in 1901, we are much, much older in reality, and updating the anthem shows a deeper understanding, let’s call it respect, for who we are today, where we’ve come from, and how we hope to evolve.
A society that refuses to change is a dead society.
We don’t need a costly referendum to make the switch. Prime Minister Scott Morrison can take the idea to stakeholders, including Indigenous leaders, and turn it around in a matter of months.
And remember, this is not the first time the anthem has been modified.
Advance Australia Fair was only adopted in 1984, after the controversial dumping of God Save The Queen, and those 36 years ago the word “son” was swapped for “all” to remove gender discrimination.
It was an appropriate change. So is the proposed revision.
Today we sing “Australians all let us rejoice”. Tomorrow we should also be singing “for we are one and free”.
Join the conversation
Teen thugs feel untouchable – this is our best way of stopping them
If we take away their “look at me” tool, who knows, some of these young criminals might actually get a job, writes Kylie Lang.
Read more
Opinion: There’s an insidious problem in our all-girls’ schools
We have a problem in our all-girls’ schools. Children are suiciding as bullying trumps respect, and it is more insidious now because of social media, and questions must be asked of all schools, writes Kylie Lang.
Read more