Recognition in Anthem has called for the changes to ensure the anthem better represents Australia’s Indigenous history.
The group achieved an incredible win earlier this year when the second line of the anthem changed from “For we are young and free” to “For we are one and free”.
The change was made by Scott Morrison on New Years Eve 2020 and was applied from January 1, 2021.
Now Recognition in Anthem has said it’s time to finish the job, telling The Sydney Morning Herald: “Our quest is quite simple – to make the song whole and finish the job that we started, including verse two, which talks about our peoples, and verse three, which talks about our values.’’
Under the proposal, the first verse would remain the same as it currently is but the second verse would be changed to focus recognition and reconciliation of our First Peoples.
A third verse would also be added, focusing on Australia’s core values, which the group says are “respect for our First Peoples and our multicultural society, mateship, resilience, a fair go and the precious freedom provided by the rule of law and our democracy to make peaceful and positive change for the better”.
Under the proposal, the lyrics would be as follows:
Verse 1 – Our Country
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.
Verse 2 – Our People
For sixty thousand years and more
First peoples of this land
Sustained by Country, Dreaming told
By song and artist’s hand.
Unite our cultures from afar
In peace with those first here
To walk together on this soil
Respect for all grows there.
From everywhere on Earth we sing, Advance Australia Fair.
Verse 3 – Our Values
In times of drought and flood and fire
When all but hope is gone
Australians join with helping hands
And wattle blooms again.
Tomorrow may this timeless land
Live for our young to share
From red-rock heart to sun-filled shore
Our country free and fair.
Beneath the Southern Cross we sing, Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath the Southern Cross we sing, Advance Australia Fair.
