Tasmania’s Reckoning: Hobart Takes Down Controversial Colonial-era William Crowther Statue

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

By Lucy MacDonald

Posted 11h ago 11 hours ago Wed 23 Aug 2023 at 7:45pm, updated 8h ago 8 hours ago Wed 23 Aug 2023 at 10:17pm

In what can only be described as a groundbreaking move, a colonial-era statue of William Crowther, a former Tasmanian Premier, is set to be removed from Hobart‘s Franklin Square following a council vote and a campaign led by First Nations advocates. This unprecedented decision marks the first time in Australia’s history that a monument will be taken down due to pressure from Indigenous communities, and it is hoped that it will serve as a catalyst for further action across the nation.

Understanding the Controversy

The statue in question was erected in 1889 to honor William Crowther, who served as Tasmanian Premier for less than a year. However, Crowther’s legacy is marred by the brutal and racist act he committed in 1869 when he mutilated the body of an Aboriginal man, William Lanne, and stole his skull with the intention of sending it to the Royal College of Surgeons in London. Despite widespread condemnation of this heinous act, the statue remained in Franklin Square, serving as a painful reminder of the atrocities committed against First Nations people.

The decision to remove the Crowther statue has been met with overwhelming support from the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. Nala Mansell, from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, spoke out about the emotional impact the statue had on Aboriginal people and called for its removal, stating that celebrating the actions of an individual who committed such evil and racist deeds is deeply wrong.

A Call for Truth-Telling

The removal of the Crowther statue is just the first step in a much-needed process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial past. While other countries have been removing problematic colonial monuments, Australia has been slow to act. There are numerous statues and landmarks across the country that commemorate individuals and events that are intertwined with a history of colonialism and oppression. It is time to reckon with this past and confront the uncomfortable truths that these statues represent.

One example often cited is Lachlan Macquarie, whose statues and namesakes can be found throughout Australia. Macquarie, known for his brutal warfare against Indigenous communities, has become a symbol of the country’s colonial past. Professor Sarah Maddison from the University of Melbourne argues that these statues should be removed or relocated to museums where their historical significance can be addressed in its proper context, rather than being celebrated as a testament to an individual’s achievements.

A Matter of Perspective

While the removal of the Crowther statue is seen as a positive step towards acknowledging and rectifying past injustices, not everyone is convinced that it will bring about significant change on its own. Historian Cassandra Pybus argues that the statue‘s removal is merely a form of “virtue signalling” and that it fails to address the larger issue at hand—the genocidal project of colonizing Tasmania and the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous peoples.

Pybus suggests that there are more significant figures from Tasmania‘s colonial history who also deserve scrutiny and condemnation. She points out that stealing Aboriginal human remains was not an isolated act but rather a part of the broader project to establish Tasmania as a British colony. The removal of the Crowther statue should be seen as a starting point for a more comprehensive examination of Australia’s history and the need to acknowledge the deep-rooted and systemic injustices that have been inflicted upon Indigenous peoples.

Editorial: A Step Towards Reconciliation

The removal of the William Crowther statue from Hobart‘s Franklin Square is a significant milestone in Australia’s journey towards reconciliation and recognition of its colonial past. It is a transformative moment that sends a powerful message to Indigenous communities that their voices and experiences matter. By taking down a monument that glorified a man responsible for horrific acts of violence against First Nations people, Australia is beginning to confront the painful truths of its history.

The decision to remove the Crowther statue should serve as a catalyst for wider action across the country. Australia has a shared responsibility to critically examine the statues and landmarks that celebrate individuals and events from its colonial past. It is time for a reckoning—an honest reflection on the injustices committed and a commitment to dismantle the structures of systemic racism that continue to perpetuate inequality today.

Advice for Moving Forward

As Australia grapples with the legacy of its colonial past, there are several steps that can be taken to move forward towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

First and foremost, Aboriginal communities must be included in the discussions and decision-making processes regarding the removal or reinterpretation of colonial monuments. Their perspectives and experiences are essential in shaping an accurate historical narrative and ensuring that the painful legacy of colonization is acknowledged and addressed.

Additionally, the removal of statues should be accompanied by efforts to educate the public about the historical context and significance of these monuments. Temporary signs and artwork can be used to explain why a particular statue has been removed and to provide historical information about the individual or event it commemorated. This can be a crucial step in promoting understanding, fostering dialogue, and raising awareness about the injustices of the past.

Finally, Australia should also consider establishing dedicated spaces or museums where these statues and monuments can be relocated. These spaces can provide opportunities for deeper learning, reflection, and engagement with Australia’s history, allowing visitors to confront the complexities and contradictions of the colonial era while also acknowledging the resilience and cultural contributions of First Nations people.

In conclusion, the removal of the William Crowther statue from Hobart‘s Franklin Square is a milestone in Australia’s reconciliation journey. It represents a necessary step towards reckoning with the nation’s colonial past and demonstrating a commitment to truth-telling and justice. By continuing to listen to the voices of Indigenous communities, educating the public, and creating spaces for deeper engagement, Australia can contribute to healing the wounds of the past and building a more inclusive future.