PARTIAL TPUNNSCRIPT, i'ji. jA, 6YDNEY, 11 APRIL 1* 984
sexist parts.. It's not Australia's sons let us rejoice,
it's Australians let us all rejoice and I was perhaps a little
bit pe~ remptory, but after hearing that beautiful rendition I ju~ ot.
couldn't help myself.
JOURNALIST: You were guilty of a Cabinet leak were you?
I was amazed that it hadn't occurred before, it's such
an important item. The-Special Minister of State will be
conferring with the Governor-General about it. God Save the
Queen will be kept as the royal anthem when the Queen is present.
JOURNALIST: referendum.
It didn't have anything to do with a referendum. we just
believed it was time to do this. At the OlIympics I understand
Advance Australia Fair will be used there as it should be and
I think it's just something that the overwhelming majority
of Australians will think is appropriate.
JOURNALIST: And the overwhelming majority of Cabinet.
I think it was a unanimous decision, like most of our
decisions. JOURNALIST: Is this decision imimediate?
Well, the Special Minister of State will be conferring
with the Governor-General as a matter of courtesy and then
the appropriate arrangements will have to be made, people
will be informed, but it's being put into effect as of now..
JOURNALIST: Do you expect much opposition?
No, not at all. Why should anyone be opposed to Advance
Australia Fair.
JOURNALIST: The R. S. L. probably would.
No, I don't think so. . Their feelings are perhaps more
about the. flag. we've made no CuaQlij onf Lhat.
JOURNALIST: Have you discussed it in Cabinet?
Yes we have just decided that there is more time for
discussion needed in the comamunity. There are deeper feelings
about that and I respect them because you have people who
have fought under the existing flag, who have had relatives
that have died and that arouses deep feelings and emotions.
So there is no intention to move precipitately in that area. / 2
P. M. corit...: But the question of having our own national
anthem is very important. I mean I have found it just
appalling that at previous Olympics, for instance, that you
have the Brits getting up, they win a medal you know they
win one occasionally God Save the Queen, and Australians
getting up and they play the same anthem. Now that's crazy.
JOURNALIST:( inaudible Waltzing Matilda)
Nope. It's a great song, a great part of Australian
tradition# particularly when you are overseas and people want
you to give an Australian item and they expect you to sing
Waltzing Matilda but it's not the most appropriate for-our
national anthem.
JOURNALIST: The sexist aspect of the lyrics -is ' that the oniX
thing that's going to be modified,
Yes,. 2 or 3 things that have been modi fied to take account
of that. That is the first line. I foreget the other two.
I haven't got the exact words now.
JOURNALIST: all Australians to learn the notes I am
sure not everya* woull know the 7: cOtds to Advance Australia Fair?
Yes, as long as the Prime Minister didn't lead by singing
them because that would certainly lose votes. galore.
JOURNALIST: Do you know the lyrics Mr Hawke?
Yes, didn't you watch me singing them?
JOURNALIST: Were there any other options given to Cabinet Whet imiht be
a national anthem or was that the only choice?
That was the one that was chosen. 4i the opportunity
of suggesting Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport instead that perhaps
recommended itself to them but there was a great feeling that
Advance Australia Fair was appropriate.
' Advance Australia FFaairi'r'Australia .' Advance
Original Words of Verses 1 and 3 by
Peter Dodds McCormick
Australia's sons let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
in hist'ry's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hands;
To make our youthful Commonwealth
Renowned of all the lands;
For loyal sons beyond the seas
We've boundless plains to share
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair. Revision of Peter Dodds ; icCorn i ck's
Words ( Changes Underlined)
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea:
Our l and abounds in natuire' s ts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let Uis sing,
Advance Australia Fair.
Beneath our radiant South; irn Cross
We'll toil with hearts and hanGds;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who've come across tie seas
We've boundless plains t. o share
With courage let us all combine
To Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing,
Advance Australia Fair.