Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter today fought to ensure the people’s continued right to use well known Australian national icons and symbols like Waltzing Matilda and Ned Kelly, in the face of pending trade mark applications.

Mr Katter moved the Trade Marks Amendment (Iconic Symbols of National Identity) Bill 2015 in Federal Parliament which will prevent symbols of national significance or iconic value to the people of Australia from being trade marked by private entities. The legislation will apply to current and future trade marks.

The move to change the legislation follows attempts by a Victorian company to extend its trade mark over Waltzing Matilda, first written by Banjo Paterson in Western Queensland in 1895.

“A national iconic symbol of its very nature should not be trade marked,” Mr Katter said.

“By definition, a symbolic emblem, whether it is Ned Kelly, The Man from Snowy River, Boomerang or The Rising Sun badge, should not be able to be turned into a property right.

“Whilst Waltzing Matilda is not our national anthem, it most certainly is our national song.

“We are calling this amendment the John Williamson Amendment, as the famous country singer said he’d go to jail rather than not sing Waltzing Matilda.

“If this company is able to restrain people from using a term in the making of a movie or the singing of a song, it is an outrageous and offensive concept, which we seek to prevent by this legislation.

“Not only should these symbols be available to all of Australia, their usage should be promoted at every available opportunity by the people of Australia,” Mr Katter said.