A primary school has been criticized for stoking a “culture war” by making young students learn an indigenous alternative to the national anthem.
Yarraville West Primary School in Melbourne has been having its students sing the revised version of ‘Advance Australia Fair’ in assemblies for the past six months.
While the different version maintains the original 1878 musical score, the lyrics, except the title, have been changed to acknowledge the history of indigenous Australians.
The alterations were made by Indigenous artists for the Dulwich Center and Seekers singer Judith Durham in 2015.
Several parents have complained about the change, saying it has confused their children who have no idea how to sing the official anthem.
The national anthem begins: ‘Australians, let us all rejoice, for we are young and free. We have golden soil and wealth for work, our home is surrounded by the sea.
The revised version begins: ‘Australia, celebrate as one, with peace and harmony. Our precious water, earth and sun, grant life to you and me.’
3AW presenter Tom Elliot blamed the school on Wednesday for having “reignited culture wars”.
Yarraville West Primary School in Melbourne has been having its students sing the revised version of ‘Advance Australia Fair’ in assemblies for six months
“The Australian national anthem isn’t just a ‘love it or leave it’ song that you may or may not want to sing, it’s our country’s anthem,” he said.
Elliot admitted that the modified version “isn’t a bad hymn,” but said it “isn’t the hymn we teach kids.”
“You can’t teach elementary school children a different version of our anthem, it’s just confusing for them,” he said.
Some parents told Herald of the sun It was ‘important’ for children to learn the national anthem.
One said his son had no idea how to sing the anthem during a sports game.
Some parents told the Herald Sun it was “important” for children to learn the national anthem.
“They should be proud to be Australian and confusing them… is not the answer,” one said..
Daniel Wild, deputy executive director of the Institute of Public Affairs, said it was an example of “activists and elites” trying to divide the country.
‘Of course, students should sing our national anthem and respect our flag. The Prime Minister must immediately put this school in order,” he stated.
A Department of Education spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they will work with the school to “ensure the appropriate use of the national anthem at school events.”