Seekers songwriters object to CPAC use of I Am Australian

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 06:54 · Archive

The co-authors of I Am Australian say the Conservative Political Action Conference in Brisbane used their song without approval.

Bruce Woodley and Dobe Newton, co-writers of I Am Australian, have objected to the song's use at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Brisbane on Saturday. The song was performed as part of CPAC's opening ceremony, following renditions of the national anthem and Waltzing Matilda, and was listed in the official conference program.

Woodley confirmed that no permission was sought or given for the use of his song. Newton said he would 'absolutely never endorse the use of the song associated with those purposes'. The songwriters argued that the track, which celebrates unity and diversity with its famous line 'we are one, but we are many, and from all the lands of earth we come', was fundamentally at odds with the anti-immigration positions expressed at the conference by speakers including Senator Hanson and opposition leader Angus Taylor.

Newton revealed that when Senator Hanson previously attempted to use the song in an election campaign, he and Woodley threatened legal action, prompting her to change her mind. During the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum, both the Yes and No campaigns sought permission from the songwriters to use I Am Australian.

How it is being reported

• Seekers star speaks out over CPAC song useThe co-authors of the classic song I Am Australian have objected to its use at a conservative conference, saying their permission was never sought.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 06:43
• Seekers star speaks out over CPAC song useThe co-authors of the classic song I Am Australian have objected to its use at a conservative conference, saying their permission was never sought.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 06:43

In this story: Bruce Woodley · Dobe Newton · Pauline Hanson · Angus Taylor · The Seekers · The Bushwackers · Brisbane

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