Colin Hay Condemns The Use Of Men At Work's 'Down Under' At 'March For Australia' Rallies

Colin Hay

Colin Hay has taken to social media to condemn the use of Men At Work’s hit, Down Under, at March For Australia rallies.

With his post about “strenuously” disapproving of the “unlicensed” use of Down Under at March For Australia rallies, Hay joins a chorus of Australian artists who have made similar statements, including Jimmy Barnes, ICEHOUSE, and The Living End.

The March For Australia rallies took place on 31 August and 19 October 2025, with a third protest planned for next Monday, 26 January – Australia Day. The protests are about expressing discontent towards perceived mass immigration in Australia. However, the rallies have been described as far-right and white nationalist.

Last year, ABC News and The Age investigated the organisers behind the protests and found that they had ties to Neo-Nazi and white nationalist movements, including the National Socialist Network.

Under the title “DOWN UNDER,” Hay wrote, “Let me say that I most strenuously disapprove of any unauthorized, unlicensed use of Down Under, for any ‘March For Australia’ events.”

He added that Down Under “does not belong” to those who “attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land” and is ultimately a song of celebration.

His statement continued, “Down Under, a song I co-wrote, does not belong to those who attempt to sow xenophobia within the fabric of our great land, our great people.

“Down Under is ultimately a song of celebration. It’s for pluralism and inclusion; unity, not division.

“Go write your own song, leave mine alone.”

He signed off as “Colin Hay (immigrant).”

Colin Hay was born in Scotland and emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 14. Hay formed Men At Work with Ron Strykert, Jerry Speiser and Greg Ham right here in Australia in 1978, and in 1981, Men At Work released their successful debut album, Business As Usual.

The album was followed by two other records, Cargo in 1983 and Two Hearts in 1985, before the band disbanded in 1986. Hay has since enjoyed a successful solo career and has been living in the US since 1989—he became a US citizen in 2016.

Following tour dates across the US with the Ringo Starr All-Starr Band, Hay will return to Australia in June 2026 for a short run of shows.

Last year, PR representatives for both ICEHOUSE and Barnes confirmed that “no approval was sought, and no permission was given, for the use of their works at the rallies.”

The Living End added, “To be absolutely clear, the goals and philosophies of these marches are abhorrent to us, and we don't support them in any way,” the statement – jointly signed by Chris Cheney, Scott Owen, and Andy Strachan – read.