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.