Way back before "I am Australian" was written the Ozzie national anthem was a three-way race between "Advance Australia Fair", "God Save the (current monarch, insert title of choice)" and "Waltzing Matilda". "Advance Australia Fair was the winner, with "God Save the (insert etc.)" used on occasions where visiting royalty would be present.

"Song of Australia" was also a contender, a fiendishly difficult song to sing.

The official stuff.

That was in 1977, 20 years before "I am Australian" was written. It might be a different story today.

I, for one, am glad that "Waltzing Matilda" was not chosen. Who wants a song about a suicidal sheep thief as their national song?