Australia has changed a word in its national anthem after critics argued the line we are young and free was disrespectful to Aboriginal history.
The critics have long claimed that describing Australia as a young nation overlooks the fact that Aboriginal people have lived on the continent for centuries.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on New Year s Eve that the second line of the anthem, Advance Australia Fair, had been changed from for we are young and free to for we are one and free . 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, Mr Morrison said.
Australia changes national anthem to reflect
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Word changed in Australia s national anthem to reflect spirit of unity | 1 NEWS
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The prime minister added Australia was the most successful multicultural nation on earth . 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, Morrison said.
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The current Australian anthem was officially adopted in the 1980s. In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we ensure our National Anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation. Changing young and free to one and free takes nothing away but . adds much. . The Sydney Harbour Bridge was also lit up with the words we are one before midnight.
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Australia changes anthem to reflect indigenous past © Getty Images Wiradjuri woman Olivia Fox sang the national anthem in indigenous language Dharug in December
Australians will sing a different version of their national anthem from 1 January after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a change to the words on Thursday.
The anthem will no longer refer to Australia as young and free in an attempt to reflect the country s long indigenous history.
The announcement was a surprise but welcomed across the government.
Mr Morrison said he hopes the change will create a spirit of unity .
People inhabited Australia for tens of thousands of years before it was colonised by mostly white English settlers in the 18th Century.