Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to change the Australian anthem has divided Tasmania's Aboriginal community.
From January 1 the lyrics were changed from "for we are young and free" to "for we are one and free" in a bid to make the anthem more inclusive.
The idea to change the lyrics was first floated politically in November by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania chairman Michael Mansell said the change was no better than the original.
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He said the word "one" ignored the history and heritage of Aboriginal people.
"We were a sovereign people before the white people came here and we still are a sovereign people now," Mr Mansell said.
"How can you blend those two political stories together? You do that through a treaty and then you can say we are one united nation but we are not nowhere near that now.
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"The land that was taken off us all around the country has not been returned, we don't have any political representation, we are completely beholden to government, we go there as beggars not as equals and so until there is a treaty we are certainly not one."
Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation chairman Dave Gough agreed that the change did not go far enough.
He said the whole anthem should be rewritten.
"It's just ridiculous that they think this makes it okay," Mr Gough said.
"Changing one word to think that will make us all feel together is tokenism. It's well overdue for a full rewrite. Probably by Paul Kelly."
But, not everyone agreed. Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance co-chair Aunty Patsy Cameron AO said the change was a wonderful outcome.
She said maybe it would signal a change of heart about other important issues too.
"That is an amazing outcome and a wonderful outcome for the New Year," Dr Cameron said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the changes were made in the spirit of unity.
"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," Mr Morrison said in a statement on New Year's Eve.
"It is time to ensure this great unity is reflected more fully in our national anthem."
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Jackson Worthington
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
