"We’re all for a respectful and inclusive Australia, not a divisive and disrespectful one."
Sydney band Youth Group have completely distanced themselves from the Forever Young parody flitting around social media today denigrating Greens Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young.
The parody song, which Ray Hadley aired during his interview with Immigration Minister Peter Dutton yesterday on 2GB, plays on the song's title to flame Hanson-Young, naming her "Australia's Dumbest Politician".
In a statement, Youth Group said, "We’re honoured that our version has come to be held dear to many across Australia through it’s use in so many celebrations and commemorations of loved and lost ones, and in marking the passing of time at schools and social clubs across the country. We believe that it has come to mean something quite different, and diametrically opposed, to the ugliness that marks the parody version played by Ray Hadley.
"For the record, we would like to express our support for Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. We’re all for a respectful and inclusive Australia, not a divisive and disrespectful one."
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The band and their management also made sure to point out that the song is not Youth Group's rendition of the 1984 track by Alphaville; the track posted on YouTube is a re-recording and the band "do not endorse it".