“Decolonizing the Urban Landscape: Hobart to Remove Colonial-era William Crowther Statue”

Colonial-era William Crowther statue to be removed from Hobart‘s Franklin Square, in an Australian first

Introduction

In a landmark decision, a colonial-era statue of William Crowther, a former premier of Tasmania, is set to be removed from Hobart‘s Franklin Square. This move comes following a council vote and a campaign by First Nations advocates, making it the first time in Australia that a monument will be taken down due to pressure from Indigenous communities. The decision highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the celebration of figures with controversial histories and the need for truth-telling and reconciliation in Australia.

Background

The statue of William Crowther, erected in 1889, has long been a source of controversy. Crowther, a politician and surgeon, infamously mutilated the body of an Aboriginal man named William Lanne in 1869, with the intention of sending his skull to London’s Royal College of Surgeons. The act of theft and the subsequent efforts to conceal it represent a dark chapter in Tasmania’s history, characterized by the mistreatment and exploitation of Indigenous peoples. The removal of the statue comes as a recognition of the hurt caused to the Aboriginal community and a step towards acknowledging the painful past.

Advocacy and Decision

The decision to remove the Crowther statue was made by the Hobart City Council’s planning committee, with an 8 to 2 vote in favor of its removal. This vote follows a previous decision by the council in 2022, but final approval was needed from the Heritage Council. The successful vote marks a significant milestone in the advocacy efforts of Tasmania’s Aboriginal community, who have been campaigning for years for the statue’s removal. Nala Mansell, from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, expressed relief and hope, emphasizing the importance of addressing the celebration of individuals who have committed racist and harmful acts.

Australian Colonial Monuments

The removal of the Crowther statue raises broader questions about the presence of colonial monuments in Australia and their historical significance. Many argue that Australia should be ashamed of commemorating figures and events that have shaped its colonial past. Professor Sarah Maddison from the University of Melbourne points out that statues, streets, and landmarks named after individuals like Lachlan Macquarie, who waged war against the Indigenous people of Sydney, perpetuate a problematic colonial narrative. The debate surrounding these statues highlights the need for a collective reckoning with Australia’s colonial history.

Philosophical Reflection

The removal of colonial-era statues raises philosophical questions about the role of public monuments and their impact on a society’s collective memory. Historian Cassandra Pybus argues that simply taking down individual statues is not enough to address the genocidal project that underpinned colonization. She suggests that Australia must confront its entire colonial history and grapple with the complex ways in which Indigenous peoples were exploited and marginalized. The removal of the Crowther statue should not be seen as a final solution, but rather as a starting point for a more comprehensive truth-telling process and ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Reimagining History and Truth-Telling

The next step in the removal of the Crowther statue involves a reinterpretation project dedicated to truth-telling. The empty plinth will be accompanied by a temporary sign explaining why the statue was taken down, with plans for artwork and a permanent sign to be commissioned. Nala Mansell emphasizes the importance of including Aboriginal people in the discussions and decision-making processes surrounding any installations at the site. This commitment to collaboration and representation ensures that Indigenous voices are heard and their perspectives are included in the narrative of Tasmania’s history.

Conclusion

The removal of the William Crowther statue from Hobart‘s Franklin Square marks a significant milestone in Australia’s history and a step towards acknowledging and addressing the harmful legacies of colonization. The decision to take down the statue highlights broader conversations about the presence of colonial monuments and the need for truth-telling and reconciliation in Australia. While some argue that removing individual statues is not enough, it serves as a starting point for a broader conversation about Australia’s colonial history. The inclusion of Indigenous voices and perspectives is crucial in this process of reimagining the nation’s history and creating a more inclusive and equitable future.