Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave a heartfelt speech in Canberra earlier today, addressing a change to the national anthem as well as the pandemic.
Overall, the address was positive highlighting the great accomplishments and distance Australia has covered as a nation both in its course over the years and during 2020, the toughest challenge the country has faced.
Ms Morrison said that Governor-General Hon David Hurley has agreed to the Commonwealth Government’s recommendation to make an amendment to Australia’s National Anthem, Advance Australia Fair.
As a result, the second line of Advance Australia Fair will change from “For we are young and free” to “For we are one and free” to reflect all Australians.
The new Anthem takes effect from today, 1 January 2021.
“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. It is time to ensure this great unity is reflected more fully in our national anthem,” the Prime Minister said.
“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,” he continued.
“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. It recognises that our national story is drawn from more than 300 national ancestries and language groups and we are the most successful multicultural nation on earth. 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,” the Prime Minister concluded..
Mr Morrison then highlighted the strength of all Australians in staying together and supporting each other throughout 2020.
“We are making our own Australian way through this crisis, a way guided by our enduring principles and values and together, we have done so better than almost any other country in the world. Our unity has been critical to this achievement. ‘One and free’ is and must be the story of every Australian and it’s the way we truly Advance Australia Fair.”
Advance Australia Fair was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878.
NEW AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are one and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.