The New Year has also rung in a change for Australia’s National Anthem.
From today, the words “for we are young and free,” will be replaced by “for we are one and free,” with Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying it reflects a “spirit of unity.”
The proposal to amend the National Anthem was announced in November 2020 with the aim to better represent our country’s Indigenous history.
The new lyrics were approved by the Governor-General, David Hurley.
In a statement, Scott Morrison expressed his acknowledgement of the old and rich culture of Australia, saying that “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.”
NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian also expressed her desire to signal more “respect and dignity” in the country’s most symbolic song.
Many Indigenous citizens, including athlete Cathy Freeman have publicly thanked the Prime Minister on various social media platforms.
The original song was first performed in 1878 and composed by Peter Dodds McCormick.
