‘What planet is she on?’: the Seekers take aim at CPAC over use of I am Australian

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Bruce Woodley, co-writer of the Australian song "I Am Australian," condemned its unauthorized use at the CPAC conference in Brisbane, where the song was featured during the opening ceremony without his permission. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing copyright for politically charged events, especially as the song’s message of unity contradicts the conference’s controversial political rhetoric.

Bruce Woodley, a member of the iconic Australian band the Seekers, has publicly condemned the use of the song "I Am Australian" at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Brisbane on Saturday, stating that no permission was granted for its inclusion. The song was performed during CPAC’s opening ceremony following renditions of the national anthem and "Waltzing Matilda."

"I Am Australian," co-written by Woodley and Dobe Newton of the Bushwackers in 1987, was featured on the official agenda of the conference, which included speeches from figures such as Pauline Hanson and opposition leader Angus Taylor. Both speakers used the platform to criticize what they referred to as “mass immigration,” drawing sharp criticism from the song’s authors, who said the message of unity and diversity embodied in the song is fundamentally inconsistent with the conference’s views.

“No permission was either sought or given by me for the use of my song,” Woodley said on Monday. Newton echoed this sentiment, highlighting the irony given the song’s lyrics emphasize inclusivity: “We are one, but we are many, and from all the lands of earth we come.”

Newton further revealed that Hanson had previously attempted to use "I Am Australian" during an election campaign but was deterred after he and Woodley threatened legal action. “We said to each other ‘what planet is she on?’” Newton recalled. A solicitor’s letter warning of potential litigation was sent, prompting Hanson to withdraw the song’s use at that time.

Both songwriters also declined permission to use the song during the 2023 voice to parliament referendum campaign, despite requests from both the yes and no sides.

Mark Callaghan, leader of the band Gangajang and experienced board member of copyright bodies APRA-AMCOS, described CPAC’s unapproved use of the song as illegal. He explained that public performance rights must be cleared in advance, especially when the work is used within a political context. Callaghan noted, however, that copyright enforcement remains challenging. He cited frequent unauthorized uses of Australian classics, including "I Am Australian," "Sounds of Then (This is Australia)," and Icehouse’s "Great Southern Land," on social media and political posts without appropriate consent.

The 1997 recording of "I Am Australian," featuring contributions from the late Seekers singer Judith Durham, Air Supply’s Russell Hitchcock, and Yothu Yindi leader Dr M Yunupingu, has since become a recognized Australian standard and was added to the National Film and Sound Archive registry in 2023. The song was previously authorized for use by the Australian Republican Movement during the 1999 referendum and continues to be frequently performed at major national and sporting events.

As of this report, CPAC organisers have not responded to requests for comment regarding the matter.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.