Republicans, and, curiously, Philip Benwell on a monarchist letterhead, agree in their opposition to playing God Save The Queen, because, to quote his letter to The Australian on 2 March 2006, this could “ give the impression that the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne is a British event”.
In fact “God Save the Queen" is by law the Royal Anthem of Australia. It is also the Royal Anthem of Canada, and the other Commonwealth Realms. In the United Kingdom it also serves as the national anthem. In New Zealand, God Save the Queen" and "God Defend New Zealand" are both national anthems. The tune has also been used as a national anthem or a patriotic song in a number of other countries.
If the organizers had checked with the Prime Minister’s Department they would have realized that playing our Royal Australian Anthem as well as Advance Australia Fair is in accordance with our law and practice.
If the Royal Australian Anthem is not played, this will be the principal story about the opening ceremony in the international media.
Some republicans suggest Australians will have difficulty knowing the words of God Save The Queen. This is unlikely, but some supporters want to distribute a copy. Only the first verse need be sung, but I have long been guided by the prayer in the second verse: “Confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks…”
These are the words, and only the first verse need be copied. God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.
2
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On thee our hopes we fix:
God save the Queen.
3
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign:
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen .
The followig is sometimes added in Canada: