What is Australia's national anthem?
Australia's national anthem is Advance Australia Fair, written by Peter Dodds McCormick and first performed in 1878. It officially became the national anthem in 1984, replacing God Save the Queen.
McCormick, a Scottish-born schoolteacher, wrote both the words and music. The song was popular for decades before it became the official anthem.
In 1977, Australians voted in a national poll to choose a national song. Advance Australia Fair won, ahead of Waltzing Matilda, Song of Australia and God Save the Queen.
Changes to the lyrics
The original lyrics were changed when the song became the anthem, including replacing the phrase Australia's sons let us rejoice with Australians all let us rejoice.
On 1 January 2021, the second line of the first verse was changed from for we are young and free to for we are one and free. The change recognized the long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The anthem is sung at sporting events, citizenship ceremonies and official occasions. Usually only the first verse is sung. God Save the King remains the royal anthem, used when members of the royal family are present.