That's all until tomorrow - same time, same place.I think it's fairly well known that the words of our national anthem, the God awful "Advance Australia Fair," are largely unfamiliar to most Australians. Yes, we know the first couple of lines and at sporting occasions sing the punch line with great gusto; the rest however, we just sort of hum and hope someone else knows what they are doing.
But you would think that Australia's Department of Immigration would be able to get it right. Did they hell as like!
In an internet kit for people migrating under the Government's humanitarian program, the line, "Our land abounds in nature's gifts" became "nation's gifts."
As the opposition's spokeswoman on multicultural affairs and citizenship, Annette Hurley said, "You get people eager to learn about the culture of Australia and you put up on the website the incorrect words to the national anthem."
Which indirectly brings me to a little gripe about wording in American immigration documents.
When I planned to go to the US to marry and live with Mel, (she is now coming here), I found it ironic that whenever George Bush wants something from us he describes us as "good friends and allies." Yet when I want to move to the land of our good friends and allies, I am an "Alien fiancee." Makes me sound like "My Favourite Martian."
Wherever you may be - be safe!
