Aussie musos object to being included in Cory Bernardi’s Australia Day, Hottest 100-replacing playlist

Conservative MP Cory Bernardi has generatedhis own Australia Day music playlist as a direct reaction to triple j’s decision to move the date of the Hottest 100, a move thathas struck a nerve with some of the musicians included on the playlist.

It’s no secret triple j’s decision to change the date of their Hottest 100 countdown hasn’t gone down well with several of Australia’s conservative politicians, and now Liberal defector Cory Bernardi has gone to the lengths of creating his own playlist of tracks, calling on his supporters to vote for their favourites for Australia Day.

Announcing the playlist on the website for his newly formed political party the Australian Conservatives, Bernardi made his feelings about triple j’s publicly consulted decision to change the date of their countdown patently clear.

“As taxpayer-funded Triple J and their ‘Hottest 100’ abandon our national day for political correctness, we’re inviting you to cast your vote by telling us your favourite 3 tracks from our #AC100 playlist.”

The Spotify playlist includes songs by some of Australia’s greatest ever, with Bernardi including quite an eclectic mix of tracks by artists from Savage Garden to Christine Anu, Men At Work to The Veronicas, John Farnham to Jessica Mauboy, Daryl Braithwaite to Hilltop Hoods, and even Iggy Azalea.

Christine Anu’s manager Jason Williamsonaddressed Anu’s inclusion in the playlist in a statement toTMN.

“Christine Anu does not support any political party and their agendas around Jan 26. While conversations continue around changing the date, Christine will continue to use her profile and voice to showcase her culture, Songlines and to acknowledge the survival and resilience of First Nations people.

“Anyone who has seen Christine perform on Jan 26 will know she has always spoken publicly and in performance about the horrific pain inflicted on First Nations people.

“Christine believes January 26 needs to be acknowledged but Australia needs a date that is inclusive for all Australians to celebrate in.”

Savage Garden’s Darren Hayesthreatened Bernardi with legal action over his inclusion.

“I do not want to be associate with you, your party or your views,” he tweeted. “Remove my music from this stunt or expect contact from my publisher @SonyATV.”

Bernardi was quick to respond. “Get over yourself @darrenhayes. Music is for everyone,” he retorted.

Hilltop Hoods were another to voice their displeasure at being included in the playlist, eloquently tweeting“Go fuck yourself @corybernardi.”

Bernardi’s move comes after Triple M decided to launch their own Australia Day song countdown the ‘Ozzest 100’ with only Australian music allowed to be nominated.

The move saw Briggs of A.B. Originalcall on punters to ruin the countdown by voting for their track ‘January 26’.