richard,
They actually held a referendum to pick the anthem. Waltzing Matilda was recognized as the National Song, much like the American Battle Hymn of the Republic or the British Land of Hope and Glory but slightly less pompous.
Advance Australia Fair is a great tune when played by a military band or large orchestra - less so when sung by some nasily blonde bimbo pop star.
If you know the story of Waltzing Matilda only in Australia would there be a national song about a vagrant thief who commits suicide. As for making it the National Anthem you may have noticed suicide does not feature largely in most National Anthems.
Lang
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