The Italian state as we know it now was brought together in 1861. A republican anthem rivalled a monarchist one, but the republican one, 'Il Canto Degli Italiani', was recognised and adopted officially eighteen months ago, in December 2017. A young country with a young anthem.

Joe

I've just
watched channel 10's take on the subject with an
interview with the Seekers and their song - "I Am
Australian" being suggested as a suitable
replacement and reading the lyrics it is difficult
to argue that it isn't more inclusive and an
accurate representation of our past.

"Ädvance Australia Fair" was penned in 1878 by Scottish
born Peter Dodds McCormick. It replaced "God Save The
Queen" as our national anthem in 1984 after a plebiscite
to choose a new anthem was carried out in 1977.

Back in 1977 the choices for a new anthem were -
"God Save The Queen," "Advance Australia Fair,"
"Waltzing Matilda,"and "Australia Song."

The results of that plebiscite were:

"God Save The Queen," (18.78% )
" Advance Australia Fair," (43.29%)
"Waltzing Matilda," (28.28%)
"Australia Song," (9.63%)

I recall
the young schoolgirl in Queensland who refused to
stand up for the national anthem - "Advance
Australia Fair" - on the grounds she thought it
was not inclusive of Indigenous Australians.

As punishment she received a lunch-time detention, and
was told she needed to sign a written apology, or she
would risk suspension.

The story didn't end there. Young Miss Nielsen's decision
sparked a bitter debate in the media with Alan Jones
and Mark Latham, in particular firing barbs at the year
four student for being a "brat" and saying she should
be sent to a special school for students with
behavioural problems.

We can also see from the posts on this thread that this is
an emotive issue for some.

I was hoping that instead of mindlessly "rattling off"
that maybe it is time we reviewed the national
anthem and put one in place that is more inclusive of
all Australians and one that is more accurately
reflective of our history.

Do you think it's time for a change?
If not, why not?
If you voted in 1977 - which one did you select?

Do you think young Miss Nielsen was brave or
disobedient?

Would you prefer our children to follow blindly or
question authority in a healthy and informed way?

Here's some of the verses from the Seekers
song - "I Am Australian," :

" I came from the dream-time
From the dusty red-soil plains
I am the ancient heart
The keeper of the flame
I stood upon the rocky shores
I watched the tall ships come
For forty thousand years I've been
The First Australian"

"I came upon the prison ship
Bound down by iron chains
I bought the land endured the lash
And waited for the rains
I'm a settler, I'm a farmer's wife
On a dry and barren run
A convict then a free man
I became Australian"

"I'm a daughter of a digger
Who sought the mother load
The girl became a woman
On the long and dusty road
I'm a child of the Depression
I saw the good times come
I'm a bushy, I'm a battler
I am Australian"

"We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We'll share a dream
And sing with one voice
I am, you are, we are Australian. "

This song definitely brings tears to my eyes and a
lump to my throat.
It would be my choice as a replacement.

Foxy for no other reason than I never liked the anthem and because I too like your selection, yes change it
Change too our flag and become a republic
At that time sign a bill of rights [we need one] and be as inclusive as we can to all Australians from every background
Did not understand the subject included such changed

Dear Belly,

It's interesting.

Adam Briggs who performs as "Briggs"
is apparently making quite an impact not only
here in Australia but overseas as well -
especially in the US. He's quite a personality.
An Indigenous Australian rapper, record label
owner, comedy writer and actor, signing with
Golden Era Records in 2009 before co-founding the
hip-hop duo - A B Original in 2016.

He's appeared on several TV series and is a
regular cast member of "The Weekly with
Charlie Pickering.

There's more at -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briggs_(rapper)

I'm not surprised that you like the "" I am
Australian" Seekers song. Many feel that its
quite moving, inclusive, and an accurate
representation of our past. Others say
Peter Allen's "I Still Call Australia Home"
speaks to them. Others have their own
suggestions.

On things for sure - this debate is gathering
momentum. The TV channels and the media are
paying more attention to it now.

cont'd ...

My apologies for the typo. Here's the link again:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Briggs_(rapper)