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Why Walker did not sing anthem; Meninga pushing for referendum

The anthem ‘silence’ provoked a storm of protest, with captain Cody Walker and immortal Mal Meninga calling for change.

Published by
Adam Safi
When the Australian National Anthem played before the start of the All Stars match, the Indigenous All-Stars refused to sing along. It provoked a storm of protest, with captain Cody Walker and immortal Mal Meninga calling for change.
Walker recounts the uncomfortable feeling of the anthem being played, claiming it does not represent himself or his family.
His team triumphed to a 34-14 win over the Maori All-Stars in Melbourne, in front of 18,802 spectators. Whilst Advance Australia fair was being performed, the spectators were mainly silent.
This was a different case in contrast to the Maori Side, who gave an inspiring performance of God Defend New Zealand, representing both the native and inhabitants of New Zealand with performances in English and Maori.
Walker was asked if he was comfortable at the time, he told ABC:

"To be honest, no," he said.

"It just brings back so many memories from what's happened and I think everyone in Australia needs to get together and work something out.

"It doesn't represent me and my family."

Walker encourages Australians to reconsider the use of the anthem and make a decision that suits the interests of the Indigenous community.

"I don't have the answer, but we as a group probably need to come together and as a country, we need to come together and make some sort of decision together," he said.

However, on the other side of the spectrum, immortal Mal Meninga has called for a referendum, concerning the future of the anthem.

"I can't see any reason why we can't ask all of Australia once again what is a true and contemporary song for Australia now," Meninga said.

"Let's have a referendum."

Meninga says the anthem was enshrined to the public under the Nation's consent after it was selected as the national song from a survey in 1974. He says now is the time Australia should have another discussion about changing the anthem.

"That all came about through the nation's consent," Meninga wrote.

"And while the Indigenous population has been talking about Advance Australia Fair for a long time, I cannot see why there can't be a debate about it again now.

"Times have changed since the last decision was made. We've had major decisions around Indigenous Australia, such as native title recognition and cultural heritage being revived.

"We've had the national Sorry Day so Australians — all Australians — are very aware of our national history, maybe more aware than they were before.

"So we can have a national debate and let the people of Australia have their say.

"If we have a national anthem that offends our Indigenous people, let's see what all of Australia thinks.

Meninga and Walker have both been at the centre of divided controversy, but have gained an influx of support from the Indigenous community.

Published by
Adam Safi