There's a Petition to Make The Veronica's "Untouched" Australia's National Anthem

Where do I sign?

Over the years there have been calls left, right and centre to change Australia’s national anthem to make it more inclusive to Indigenous Aussies and reflect our progress as a multicultural nation.

While some positive changes have been made—like the lyric change from "young and free" to "one and free"—there is very little that has been done to make "Advance Australia Fair" the all-encompassing anthem so many Aussies wish it could be.

While some Aussies have suggested classics like "Waltzing Matilda" or "STRAYA" to the tune of Outkast’s "Hey Ya", none of these bops have landed with the majority of Australia, let alone the government.

But now, an Aussie legend has put forward the idea (and a petition) to change the Australian national anthem to "Untouched" by the Veronicas.

Now, this I can’t say no to.

The song originally released back in 2007 is still the girl band’s most popular track with over 98 million streams on Spotify. It has been an iconic anthem for Aussie youth for the past 14 years.

Started by Ella Walden, the petition explains why "Advance Australia Fair" is no longer a fit, and how "Untouched" is the perfect replacement.

“As this song was written so long ago, a lot of the lyrics either don’t make sense in the context of them being sung or are outdated, such as the words ‘toil’ and ‘girt’ that are both no longer in use,” Ella said on the petition page.

“This anthem has very little rhythm and is only to be sung respectfully. This form of singing is incredibly outdated and doesn’t represent Australia’s rave-like culture.

“I have proposed a much greater song that represents Australia in a better way, that everyone likes and is inclusive to all Australians, as well as making other countries jealous of our incredible national anthem.”

no thoughts just untouched by The Veronicas on repeat

— Oscar 🦂 (@heftybeerking) April 30, 2021

The petition currently has only 107 signatures but that can change if you’re keen enough.

Ella also touches on the cultural impacts that a change of anthem can have for Australia’s Indigenous community. Although she is not Indigenous herself, she believes that Indigenous voices on this topic need to be amplified.

“Yes, there is an actual issue of the national anthem not representing our First Nations people,” she wrote.

“While I am not Indigenous myself and I personally don’t feel like it’s my place to speak on behalf of the Indigenous community, I do encourage people to do their own research as well as listen to Indigenous creators as it is their voice that needs to be amplified."

Also, in case this is right up your alley, you might also be excited to know that the Veronicas are actually doing a tour around Australia this year and they’re making it to every major city (woo!).

Fortunately, there are still some tickets available, but you better get in quick 'cos they kick things off in early June.

Oh, and also, if you want to support Ella in her mission for the national anthem change, you can sign her petition here.

Header Image: Don Arnold via Getty Images