Northern Territory Public Schools Mandated to Sing National Anthem

Policy Implementation Details

The Northern Territory government has implemented a new policy requiring public school students to sing the Australian national anthem during school assemblies and special events. This directive applies to all 152 public schools in the territory, mandating the playing and singing of both verses of "Advance Australia Fair" in English. Students are also expected to stand while the anthem is performed.

Government Rationale and Curriculum Integration

Education Minister Jo Hersey stated that the policy aims to restore national pride and educate students on Australian identity.

"The policy aims to restore national pride and educate students on Australian identity."

The initiative includes an update to the school curriculum, incorporating lessons on national symbols and their significance to Australian identity within the civics and citizenship learning area. The singing and performance of the anthem can also be included in arts lessons.

Ms. Hersey noted that while the anthem mandate is in place, performing a Welcome to Country remains at the discretion of individual schools. Approximately 43 percent of NT public school students are Indigenous.

Divided Reactions: Support and Opposition

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare expressed support for the policy, noting that anthem singing is common in Australian schools and referencing the second verse's message of unity. NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price also backed the policy, characterizing it as a step towards building a shared national identity and fostering understanding of Australian identity among children.

Conversely, Independent Arnhem Land politician Yiŋiya Guyula voiced opposition, stating the policy goes "too far" and creates issues of control over Indigenous communities. He suggested schools should have the choice in singing the anthem or performing it in Indigenous languages like Yolŋu Matha, advocating for a focus on better educational outcomes instead of "playing politics."

The policy goes "too far" and creates issues of control over Indigenous communities.

Shadow NT Attorney-General Chansey Paech commented that many schools already perform the anthem and described the policy as a a "smokescreen" to divert attention from government failures, referencing recent statistics indicating a decline in school attendance rates and enrolments across the jurisdiction.

The policy takes effect with the commencement of the new school year for NT public school students.