The NSW Premier is leading calls for changes to Australia’s national anthem to make it more inclusive.
Gladys Berejiklian says the “one word change” should be altered within Advance Australia Fair to represent the country’s long Indigenous history.
The proposal would see the anthem’s lyrics go from “young and free” to “one and free”.
“We need to recognise our Aboriginal heritage and to say we’re young and free,” Ms Berejiklian told Today.
“It ignores the fact that they’ve inhabited the continent.”
I feel upset when others don’t feel the anthem reflects them.
“We have a proud First Nations culture and continuing culture here in Australia, that one word might make a difference to some people.
After the horrible year we’ve had, I just really appreciate as a leader how important it is to bring people together, how important it is to include our history in total and that’s why I’m supporting this one word change, which I hope will make a difference.”
Ms Berejiklian said the anthem had been changed before, so it was appropriate that is could happen again.
