I note the respect he has demonstrated through his honesty about what January 26 signifies for him and many other Australians.

For me, our national anthem lyrics are an expression of what we aspire to. “Advance Australia fair” is an important idea. As is rejoicing and celebrating our freedom and democracy. It is not a song about unquestioning acceptance of the status quo, but rather an exhortation to work together, struggle to build a better country, and a better world.

Given some of the contributions to this discussion, it’s not difficult to appreciate how Joe sees the anthem as enforcing conformity and preserving privilege.

The notion that because we have offered an apology for the stolen generation Aboriginal people should not talk about these things in public, and instead of grieving openly just get on with it, shows we still have a lot of work to do.  

Some have asked where the first people would be if Europeans had not arrived to stay in 1788. Of course, the point is that we will never know.

That arrival resulted in Indigenous rights to self-determination being taken away.

Indeed, for a long time after that they were actively excluded from any decisions about their future and land. It is clear is that they would not have been subject to the dispossession, removals and killings that resulted.  

For the record, I share some discomfort in celebrating our national day on January 26, and worry when symbols of state like our anthem are used to suppress difficult conversations.

But we have a choice.

We can continue to be defensive, or do as the song advises, toil together with hearts and hands to make our country renowned of all the lands.

YOU’RE probably inundated with views on Joe Williams remaining seated for the national anthem but I thought I'd share a story from my studies in Wagga.

One visiting lecturer named Storry Walton mentioned that his grandparents used to remain seated for the national anthem and it caused him embarrassment as people would stare at them. When I asked after class, he explained that their Irish ancestry meant they had seen injustice from the English.

He went on to detail that they viewed patriotism as loving one's country as one would love a child. This love may by unconditional but it's not beyond correcting when required.

I think it's important to remember that patriotism isn't doing everything your country asks of you but doing what's right for your country. This includes standing up to injustice or remaining seated to show your reservations.

As a result of this lesson, I remain seated during the national anthem.

The only way forward for Australia to create a day of national significance for all citizens is to become a republic. 

TO ALL of you who keep pushing for a republic, we have voted on it, and for our flag, resulting in a resounding no. Just take no for an answer.

The change to a republic is too expensive, too reactionary and we have nothing to gain from it. 

Our present system of government is tried and proven, so for the umpteenth time – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.