A decision by the NRL to scrap the national anthem at the first State of Origin match, an issue of contention with Indigenous players at least, was overturned after the Prime Minister intervened and sought its restoration, apparently to foster “strong national unity”. This leaves no doubt where the Government – and the PM personally – stands on these matters and, in fact, displays a tin ear on the subject of national unity unless it is the Coalition’s way of enforcing it. See also News Item of 6 February 2020.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
