A 35-year-old exchange with police, punctuated by a demand to know the charge – “Eating a meal? A succulent Chinese meal?” – has been immortalized as part of Australia’s national sonic heritage. The now-iconic outburst from Jack Karlson has been added to the National Film and Sound Archive’s (NFSA) Sounds of Australia collection, alongside a diverse range of recordings reflecting the country’s cultural landscape.
The inclusion of Karlson’s 1991 encounter, which gained viral fame decades later on YouTube, highlights the NFSA’s commitment to preserving not just artistic achievements, but as well moments that capture the Australian character. This year’s additions also include Missy Higgins’ beloved 2004 hit “Scar,” and the distinctive sound of the PB/5 pedestrian crossing signal, famously sampled by Billie Eilish in her 2019 track “bad guy.”
Established almost two decades ago, the Sounds of Australia is a curated collection of audio recordings chosen for their historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance. Nominations come from the public, and a panel of NFSA sound experts ultimately decide which recordings will be preserved for future generations. The archive now holds over 300,000 audio items, with roughly one-third undergoing digitization to safeguard them from deterioration.
From Arrest to Internet Sensation
Karlson’s path to internet notoriety began with a routine police interaction outside a Chinese restaurant in Queensland. A 7NEWS report from 1991 captured the encounter, which quickly went viral in the early days of YouTube. The clip features Karlson’s colorful language, including a memorable plea to officers – “Get your hand off my penis!” – followed by his bemused inquiry about the reason for his arrest. The video, available on YouTube, has garnered millions of views and spawned countless memes. https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/PeihcfYft9w?wmode=opaque&. feature=oembed" title="Democracy Manifest" height="480" width="640" allowfullscreen="
While described as a “small-time criminal” who operated under various aliases, Karlson’s outburst resonated with audiences, becoming a symbol of defiant, albeit unconventional, individualism. The clip’s enduring appeal speaks to a uniquely Australian sense of humor and a willingness to embrace the absurd.
A Diverse Collection Reflecting Australian Life
The Sounds of Australia collection isn’t limited to music and viral videos. This year’s additions demonstrate the breadth of sounds that contribute to the nation’s identity. Marcia Hines’ 1977 dance track “You” represents a cornerstone of Australian disco, while the ABC Kimberley’s 2007 broadcast of a federal court’s native title determination at Noonkanbah Station documents a pivotal moment in Indigenous rights. The familiar beep of the PB/5 pedestrian crossing signal, sampled in Billie Eilish’s “bad guy,” illustrates how everyday sounds can find new life in contemporary music. As previously reported, the signal’s inclusion acknowledges the unexpected ways Australian sounds permeate global culture.
Other additions include Joe Dolce’s 1981 hit “Shaddap You Face,” the 1990 Tabaran music video by Not Drowning, Waving and the Musicians of Rabaul featuring Telek, the 2001 Reading Writing hotline jingle, and, of course, Missy Higgins’ enduring ballad “Scar.” “Scar” topped the ARIA singles chart upon its release and was recently ranked fourth in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs in 2025.
Preserving Stories, Reflecting Identity
The inclusion of Rosie Batty’s 2015 Australian of the Year acceptance speech marks a poignant addition to the collection. Batty’s powerful address, delivered in the wake of her son Luke’s tragic murder by his father, became a rallying cry for domestic violence awareness and support. Her speech, alongside Karlson’s, represents the NFSA’s commitment to preserving sounds that resonate with the national consciousness, even those born from profound sorrow.
“Our job is to collect content that resonates with all Australians and everyone has such different reference points,” NFSA chief curator Meagan Loader told Guardian Australia. “We ask the public to nominate sounds every year and we always get such a wild diversity,” she added, emphasizing the archive’s goal of reflecting the multifaceted nature of Australian identity.
The Sounds of Australia collection serves as a sonic time capsule, preserving moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. It’s a reminder that the sounds that shape a nation are often as powerful and enduring as the images and words that document its history. The NFSA continues to solicit public nominations for future additions, with the next round of selections expected in 2027.
The NFSA’s ongoing digitization efforts are crucial to ensuring the long-term preservation of these invaluable recordings. You can learn more about the Sounds of Australia collection and contribute your own nominations on the NFSA website.
Share your thoughts on these newly preserved sounds and what they signify to you in the comments below.
