The 1987 song by Bruce of The Seekers and Dobe of The
Bushwackers has entered the list of iconic Australian songs gaining
the attention of the courts – in this case the Copyright
Tribunal.
It's not as salacious as Pharrell and Robin Thicke's
recent theft of Mavin Gaye's Got to give it up in the hit
Blurred Lines, but at least it's an example of protection given
to copyright holders in Australia.
"I am, you are, we are Australian" are the perfect
lyrics and song for inclusion in Australian citizenship ceremonies.
So much so our Government used the song without permission from
Bruce and Dobe.
But if the Government doesn't pay for the rights to a song,
what can you do?
Unlike private citizens who must obtain permission before using
someone's copyright work, the Government has protection in the
Copyright Act that permits it to use a copyright work without
permission of its owner if the work is used for government
services.
