Aiden my thanks too, live less than ten k,s from our late great Les Murray proud to have met him many times
Knew about Banjo and the swagman, too few do
Had collector's edition of his works
Found a niece who loved him as much as me, she owns it now
Sunday drive is often in the forest around my and Les,s home and in my mind I heard him read one last weekend vale goodman

What is required in a national anthem.

Firstly, what we do not need is a song that very few can sing, Like the USA anthem. Many well experienced and recognized singers have made a complete mess of the USA anthem. The only good rendition I have heard is that by Jackie Evancho, at the inauguration of President Trunp.

An anthem should have simple words and a tune that most people can sing. It can also be moving, as with the version by July Anthony recorded by the St George bank some 25 years ago. A quality singer and good orchestration.

The present anthem fills the bill so leave it as is.

Dear Aidan,

Thank You for filling in the details for me about
"Waltzing Matilda." I did not consider it suitable
as a national anthem, despite its catchy tune. To
me it was a song about a thief who committed suicide
and would portray Australia as a nation of depressed
criminals. You've made me take another look at it.
Thank You.

"Click Go The Shears," was never a serious contender.
I just mentioned it (tongue-in-cheek) due to the
sheep references in "Waltzing Matilda."
__________________________________________________________________

A recurring part of Australian life has been that
from time to time there have been attempts to have
our national anthem changed. This has come from a
variety of sources - ranging from politicians like
Jeff Kennett suggesting it should be replaced by -
"I am Australian," to school children, football
players, and now Indigenous people taking part.

"Advance Australia Fair," I sing when its played
and when its appropriate to sing it - but like
Jeff Kennett I too rarely get emotional when
hearing it or singing it. I do with - "I am
Australian."

All anybody has to do is look around them to see that
we are many - and if we can be one, we will, as a community
and as a country achieve so much more.

Therefore for me - "I am Australian"is a much better song.
It has a better tune and it has lyrics that have relevance
and appeal to all Australians, ones that we can use as a
clarion call to declare our identity and values to the
world and more importantly to ourselves and our children
and grandchildren.

I hope that other Australians will get behind the
call for "I am Australian"to be made our national anthem.
And that "The Seekers," will give their permission for the
use of this song.

Let's have national symbols that are powerful, attractive
and reflect who we are, not who we thought we were years,
and years, and years ago.

HenryL, Hear, hear!

Again, wish-full thinking from certain quarters.
The reason I would distance myself from 'I am Australian', is more a commercial barrier than a personal one.
I would really be surprised if 'The Seekers' would give tacit approval or hand over that particular song for free, without some form of 'compensation'.
Personally, knowing how well they have done financially and status wise, I feel they would gain a level of respect and recognition that will go on long after they die or their other songs become distant memories of a few future fans of their music.
But no album or song would ever be sung so often and with such pride as a National Anthem, they should be so lucky.
If it goes down that path, let's see how patriotic the Seekers really are.

Dear HenryL.,

Some light-hearted relief:

"Advance Australia Fair," the words are unmemorable.
According to Phillip Adams.
"For we are young and free." Tell that to an old
age pensioner, says Adams.

Phillip Adams writing a few years ago in the
Weekend Australia - talked about the words of
"Advance Australia Fair." He said that apart from the
funny bit about "girt" by sea - the rest were lamentable.
Perhaps, he says, this lies in the fact that Australia
is difficult to rhyme.

It only rhymes with failure, or paraphernalia.
Many patriotic people however will point out that it also
rhymes with - dahlia, regalia, and even - genitalia
(although that seems a stretch).

But, even added to failure, genitalia, regalia,
or dahlia, it still doesn't a great national anthem make.
Not even Noel Coward, Cole Porter, and Oscar Hammerstein
working together as Adams says could get a Marseillaise
out of that.

Phillip Adams tells us that "recently our PM spoke
of Gallipoli as a brilliant defeat." Adams goes on to say
"That's what I like about Australia's attitude to
failure. Not only does it rhyme but also it resonates. It
gives us a laconic, ironic, stoic view of life. It accommodates
us to drought, flood, fire, and Liberal governments."

So I guess that perhaps "Advance Australia Fair" just
may be suitable after all?