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How did they come up with the Australian Anthem?

The official anthem was 'god save the Queen' from 1788 to 1974, although numerous commercial and official competitions were held over the years to find a substitute. The first was held in 1840.

The issue of a truly national anthem was raised persistently before the 1956 Olympics,which were held in Melbourne. 'Advance Australian Fair' and Waltzing Matilda were the two most songs strongly favoured then as the new anthem.

The quest for an Australian national anthem continued. In 1974 a public opinion poll sampled an estimated 60,000 people to select from three possible anthems: 'Advance Australia fair; Waltzing Matilda' and a 'song of Australia'.

'Advance Australia Fair' was polled 51.4 %. Following the results the then Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, announced that 'Advance Australia Fair' would be the national anthem, except on a specific royal occasions, when both it and 'God Save the Queen' would be played.

In 1976, after a change in government, 'God Save the Queen' was reinstated for royal, vice-regal, defence and loyal toast occasions, with 'Advance Australia Fair' to be played on all other official occasions. It was not until April 1984 that the Governor-general issued a proclamation that 'God Save the Queen' was designated as the royal anthem, to be played at public engagements in Australia attended by members of the royal family. 'Advance Australia Fair' was finally announced to be the Australian national anthem.