Neil Mitchell speaks with father of schoolgirl who refuses to stand for national anthem

The father of a nine-year-old schoolgirl who is refusing to stand for Australia’s national anthem says the decision is “all hers”.

Harper Nielsen has attracted international headlines over her protest.

She says Advance Australia Fair is not inclusive and excludes Indigenous Australians.

It led to her being handed detention at school and she’s also facing suspension.

“Her decision to take the stand she has is all hers,” Harper’s dad, Mark, told Neil Mitchell.

“She just feels the anthem, as it stands, is divisive and exclusionary and something she feels she can’t support.”

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called Harper a “brat”.

“She’s entitled to her opinion,” Mr Nielsen said.

“She’s trying to get her own headlines.

“She doesn’t know Harper.”

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PICTURE: The Project / Ten Network