Letter to the Editor - Something from an earlier Australian composer might be appropriate

To The Australian         The rewritten version of "Advance Australia Fair" recommended by Cathy Freeman is a non-starter ("Olympic star backs move to alter national anthem's lyrics", 26/2). The song itself is anaemic and out of date; and the RAP version is not inclusive. A new and widely acceptable national anthem could have five stanzas: (1) an opening commending past efforts and achievements by all our predecessors (including the Anzac tradition); (2) celebration of Aboriginal culture; (3) celebration of our British foundation; (4) celebration of our diversity made up of immigrants from all over the world; (5) an ending calling for fruitful contributions from all Australians to a worthwhile national future. The first and last stanzas should have a generalised invocation to divine blessing and providence. Essential would be a genuinely rousing tune. If a totally new musical contribution cannot be found, something from an earlier Australian composer might be appropriate - say, from Percy Grainger, for example.
  Nigel Jackson, Belgrave, Vic