"National anthems usually constitute a statement about common
identity, evoking and eulogising historical traditions and
experiences of the nation"
Timeline
- In 1973 the Whitlam government (labor) decided that the country needed an anthem which represented the distinctiveness of Australia as opposed to the alliance to the Monarchy conveyd by “God Save the Queen”
- “The Australian National Anthem Quest” was organised by the Australia Council for the Arts and implemented a nation wide survey to determine the song to be sung on occasions of National Significance. “Advanced Australia Fair” was chosen – except on occasions of exceptional regal significance
- In 1976 the Fraser government (liberal – aligned with Monarchy) reinstated “God Save the Queen” as the default anthem but conducted a plebiscite (as an optional additional question in the 1977 referendum) to chose the Nation Song which would be used when it was desired to mark a separate Australian Identity
- “Advance Australia Fair” received 43.29%, Waltzing Matilda received 28.28%, Song of Australia received 9.65% and God Save the Queen received 18.78%
- “Advance Australia Fair”, with modified lyrics – was adopted as the Australian National Anthem on 19 April 1984 by a proclamation by the Governer-General Sir Ninian Stephen on recommendation by the Labor government of Bob Hawke
Advance
Australia Fair
- Indicative of relative youth compared to countries like England and secular, democratic society which values acceptance, diversity, mateship, independence, hard work and generosity
- “Commonwealth of ours” contrasts to British Commonwealth
- Reflects location (proximity to southern cross
- Our national anthem is characterised by inclusive language and an inclusive open spirit
- There is no reference to First Australians – but rather an accepting culture
- The original, pre-federation version was deliberately exclusive. It addresses only Australia's son's as it clearly defines who is wanted and captures the paranoia about border protection
God Save the
Queen
- Signifies the subjugation and subservience of Australian people under the British Empire
- Celebrates alliance to “mother country”
- Membership to the Commonwealth
- British origins stemming from colonisation in the 1700s
- Monarchy which invokes God contrasts to the secular nature of democratic Australia
- The struggle for a distinct Australian identity relates back to the idea of a loyalty to the British Empire.
- As the Australian population becomes more diverse (percentage of British people decreases) loyalty to the Empire weakens and instead there is a shift to a collective and distinct Australian Identity.
Waltzing
Matilda
- Signifies rejection and mockery of authority – sometimes considered quintessential aspect of Australian Identity I.e larrikinism
- Ringing with unique Australian lexicon and colloquialisms
- Reflects contemporary attitudes and stigmatisation often associated with inherently Australian concepts eg: Broad accent as opposed to cultivated accent
