Did the Prime Minister go too far or not far enough?

As part of recognising Australia’s indigenous history, Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently announced a change to the lyrics of Australia’s national anthem. The national song has an intriguing and dynamic history.

Olivia Fox, recently sang the national anthem in Eora language at Sydney's Bankwest Stadium before the Wallabies' Tri Nations Rugby Test against Argentina, Dec Source: GETTY Images - 05 Dec 2020

Australia once again faces the complexities of commemorating the arrival of Admiral Arthur Philip.  Dr Richard Chauvel is an Honorary Fellow at the Asia Institute at Melbourne University.  He explains how similar complexities surround Australia’s national anthem and assesses the significance of Morrison’s announcement.

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When Malcolm Fraser became Prime Minister he replaced Advance Australia Fair with God Save the Queen as Australia’s national anthem. Source: Photo by Monash Public Library Service/Creative Commons