Australian National Anthem use and protocol

The Australian National Anthem is an important national symbol of Australia and should be treated with respect and dignity.

Australian National Anthem protocols

The Australian National Anthem is an important national symbol of Australia and should be treated with respect and dignity. All Australians are encouraged to sing the Australian National Anthem (the Anthem) and these protocols are to assist you when singing or performing the Anthem at a ceremony or public event.

  1. Traditionally, only the first verse of the Anthem is used but both verses can be used.
  2. When the Anthem is played at a ceremony or public event, it is customary to stand.
  3. The event organiser can choose when the Anthem is played during an event.
  4. The tune or tempo of the Anthem should not be modified and alternative words should not be used.
  5. Any musical instrument may be incorporated into a performance of the Anthem.
  6. The Anthem should be performed in English.
  7. Individuals or organisations can perform “Advance Australia Fair” in a language other than English, but this should not be represented as a version of the Anthem. As a result, protocols do not apply to its use. For example, it is not necessary to stand when the song is played.
  8. If “Advance Australia Fair” is performed in a language other than English, along with the Anthem, the Anthem should be played first.
  9. When the Anthem is played at the same event as the anthem of another nation, you should play the anthem of the visiting nation first.

Use of the Australian National Anthem

The Commonwealth holds the copyright of the words of the Australian National Anthem as it is proclaimed. The Commonwealth also holds the copyright to particular arrangements of music of the Anthem, which are available for download on the PM&C website and YouTube channel.

Non-commercial use of the Australian National Anthem

Permission is not required to use, perform, record or reproduce the Australian National Anthem for non-commercial purposes, as the music and the words are in the public domain.

Commercial use of the Australian National Anthem

You must obtain permission to use the Australian National Anthem for commercial purposes, including when:

  • using the Australian National Anthem in full or in part
  • reproducing the tune, without the words
  • reproducing the words, without the accompanying music.

Permission is granted at the discretion of PM&C and may be subject to certain conditions, including:

  • the tune or the words of the Australian National Anthem may not be modified, parodied or demeaned
  • alternative words cannot be substituted for the words of the Australian National Anthem.

Proposals to use the Australian National Anthem for commercial purposes should be submitted to:

Parliamentary and Government Branch
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
PO Box 6500
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6271 5601
Email: nationalsymbols@pmc.gov.au