'At every stage let history's page treat all Australians fair'

Replaces

'In history's page, let every stage Advance Australia fair'

The phrase '... advance Australia fair' has been removed from this line for the same reasons outlined in the explanation about the changes to the Title.

The recording and interpretation of history has often been subject to manipulation so as to benefit one group or nation over another. It has been observed that those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it. Therefore it is in our personal and national interest to ensure that history is recorded accurately and fairly without fear or favour in order reduce the likelihood that it will be repeated.

Whilst everybody has the right to say what they think the fact remains that just because they think it or even believe it doesn't mean its true. As Gandhi put it:

"it has been my experience that I am always true from my point of view and often wrong from the point of view of my honest critics. I know that we are both right from our respective points of view, and this knowledge saves me from attributing motives to my opponents or critics."

So if there is any element of history that is in dispute then all the different versions should be recorded with a clear distinction made between what is factual or objective history and what is interpretive or subjective history. Then the differences need to be further analysed in the light of the verifiable facts in order to progress towards a resolution.

As a general principle society must ensure that any statement made in public is not accepted as a fact until it has been verified. We would benefit greatly if this was taught to our children at the earliest possible stage.

The Buddha summed up very well the need to know the truth and how it relates to the individual and their place in society when he said:

"Believe nothing, O monks, merely because you have been told it ... or because it is traditional, or because you yourselves have imagined it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, what you find to be conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings--that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide." - Buddha (563-483 BCE)