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One hundred and forty three years after its first composition and performance, the Advance Australia Fair is being updated again for what the Prime Minister says is in the « spirit of unity ».
From the 1st. January 2021, the second line of the Australian national anthem changes from « Because we are young and free » to « Because we are one and free ». .
Governor General David Hurley has endorsed the Commonwealth recommendation to change the anthem for the first time since 1984.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement that the change would be made for all Australians.
« Last year we again demonstrated the indomitable spirit of the Australians and the combined efforts that have always enabled us to assert ourselves as a nation, » he said.
« It is time to make sure this great unity is better reflected in our national anthem.
« Even though Australia is still relatively young as a modern nation, the history of our country is ancient, as is the stories of the many peoples of the First Nations, whose responsibility we rightly recognize and respect.
« In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we ensure that our national anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation.
« Changing from » young and free « to » one and free « doesn’t take away anything, but I think it does a lot. «
She was born on 19. Adopted as the country’s national anthem on April 4, 1984, replacing God Save the Queen, which had been in force since British colonization.
Prime Minister Bob Hawke last recommended that the Governor General change the national anthem in 1984.
The historic move to Advance Australia Fair included consultations with prime ministers, governors advised by the governor general, the federal spokesman and the senate president.
Recently, leaders on all sides of politics have expressed their public support for changing the anthem to better reflect modern Australia and its indigenous heritage.
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Scott Morrison, Advance Australia Fair, Nation, National Anthem
World News – AU – ‘Because we are one and free’: Historical change to the Australian national anthem
Ref: https://www.abc.net.au
