Historic change to Advance Australia Fair, Australia’s national anthem, in the ‘spirit of unity’

One hundred and forty-three years after it was first composed and performed, Advance Australia Fair is again being updated for what the Prime Minister says is in the “spirit of unity”.

From January 1, 2021 the second line of Australia’s national anthem will change from, ‘For we are young and free’ to ‘For we are one and free’.

Governor-General David Hurley has agreed to the Commonwealth’s recommendation to make an amendment to the anthem for the first time since 1984.

In a statement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the change was being made for all Australians.

“During the past year we have showed once again the indomitable spirit of Australians and the united effort that has always enabled us to prevail as a nation,” he said. “It is…