# Seekers condemn CPAC's use of I Am Australian

> The band says the conservative conference used their unity anthem without permission, contradicting its message of diversity.
- Title: Seekers condemn CPAC's use of I Am Australian · the Guardian
- Summary: The band says the conservative conference used their unity anthem without permission, contradicting its message of diversity. The Seekers confirmed the…
- Keywords: the seekers, cpac, pauline hanson, i am australian, copyright, one nation, australian politics, news, politics, Seekers, condemn, CPAC's
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/12/band-seekers-take-aim-cpac-pauline-hanson-i-am-australian-song
- Author: Australian Associated Press
- Published: 2026-10-12T07:27:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: the seekers, cpac, pauline hanson, i am australian, copyright, one nation, australian politics, news, politics
## Song played without permission
The Seekers' Bruce Woodley confirmed the Conservative Political Action Conference used I Am Australian at its Brisbane opening on Saturday without seeking or granting permission.

> No permission was either sought or given by me for the use of my song
## Song's message contradicts conference
Co-author Dobe Newton said the song about unity in diversity was at odds with speakers including Pauline Hanson condemning what they called mass immigration after the performance.

> We are one, but we are many, and from all the lands of earth we come
## Hanson previously threatened with lawsuit
Newton revealed that when Hanson tried to use the song in a previous election campaign, he and Woodley threatened legal action. She changed her mind after receiving a solicitor's letter.

> We said to each other 'what planet is she on'?
## Copyright expert calls use illegal
Mark Callaghan, leader of Ganggajang and board member of copyright management organisation APRA-AMCOS, said CPAC's unauthorised use was illegal and permission must be sought for any public performance.

> The bottom line is permission must be sought and approved for any public performance, especially in that political context
## Widespread misuse of Australian songs
Callaghan said enforcement of copyright is difficult, with his song Sounds of Then and I Am Australian frequently misused for commercial and political purposes on the internet without permission.
## Key takeaway

The Seekers confirmed the Conservative Political Action Conference used I Am Australian without permission at its Brisbane opening, saying the song's message of unity clashes with the conference's anti-immigration stance.