Australia
- Language
- English
- Anthem
- Advance Australia Fair
- Duration
- 0:54
- Status
- Today, only the first and third verses are sung as the official national anthem, with recent modifications to recognize Australia's Indigenous population.
Australia National Anthem History
Advance Australia Fair
“Advance Australia Fair” was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick after realizing Australia lacked a national anthem. After decades of popular support and public polls, it replaced “God Save the Queen” as Australia's official anthem in 1984.
Australia
Advance Australia Fair
History timeline
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1878
Peter Dodds McCormick composed 'Advance Australia Fair' after attending a concert lacking an Australian anthem.
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1901
The song was performed at Australia's inauguration as a Commonwealth, but 'God Save the Queen' remained the official anthem.
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1974
A national opinion poll found 'Advance Australia Fair' to be the preferred choice for a national song.
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1977
A national plebiscite reaffirmed 'Advance Australia Fair' as the most popular option for a national song.
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1984
“Advance Australia Fair” was officially proclaimed as Australia’s national anthem, replacing “God Save the Queen.”
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2021
The lyrics were officially changed from 'for we are young and free' to 'for we are one and free' to better recognize indigenous history.
The composer, Peter Dodds McCormick, was moved to write 'Advance Australia Fair' after attending a concert where all other nations had an anthem, but Australia did not.