This song that started as an accidental collaboration in outback Queensland in 1895 caused the death of a seven-year relationship and went on to inspire a nation during World War II, following Banjo Paterson’s death in 1941.

Benjamin Lindner is a criminal barrister with a long-standing fascination with the life and times of Waltzing Matilda which has culminated in Waltzing Matilda – Australia’s Accidental Anthem (with a foreword by Geoffrey Blainey). There, he explores the how, why, when and where A.B. ‘Banjo’ Paterson collaborated with his fiancée’s friend, Christina Macpherson – having only met her a matter of days before they spawned the song.

Criminal barristers often declare that fact is more bizarre than fiction; the factual origins of Waltzing Matilda are no exception. In an effort to debunk ‘fake’ historical claims, Benjamin takes a forensic approach, laying bare the evidence, and along the way he discovers some new twists to a story dating back to 1895.

Benjamin Lindner appears regularly in criminal trials in the County and Supreme Courts, and also in the Court of Appeal. He appeared in the Supreme Court for one of 12 accused in Victoria’s first trial involving terrorism offences. He has appeared in numerous trials in matters involving narcotics, fraud, offences of violence (including murder, manslaughter), sexual offences and all indictable offences.