“The Controversial Legacy of William Crowther: Reckoning with Tasmania’s Troubled Past”

Controversial Statue of William Crowther to be Removed from Hobart Square

Background

The statue of William Crowther, a former Tasmanian premier, is set to be taken down from Franklin Square in Hobart after a final vote by the Hobart city council. The decision to remove the statue comes after years of controversy surrounding Crowther’s actions. In 1869, Crowther broke into a morgue and beheaded an Aboriginal man named William Lanne, sending his skull to the Royal College of Surgeons in London. Crowther then replaced Lanne’s skull with another stolen from a different corpse. Lanne, also known as King Billy, was a respected Aboriginal activist and the partner of Truganini.

Reinterpretation and Debate

For the past four years, there has been an ongoing conversation about the future of the statue, with various artists offering their “reinterpretations” of it. These included painting the hands red and draping the Aboriginal flag over the statue. However, on Wednesday night, the Hobart city council voted 8-2 in favor of removing the statue. One of the statue’s supporters, Councillor Louise Elliot, missed the vote due to a TV interview.

Racist History

Hobart’s Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds, highlighted the racist history associated with Crowther’s statue. During Crowther’s time, Hobart’s medical fraternity embraced the pseudoscience of phrenology, which aimed to affirm European superiority over other races. Phrenology involved comparing the skulls of people from different ethnicities to justify atrocities such as slavery. Reynolds stated that while Crowther was not the only person involved in this discredited field of ‘racial science,’ he is the only one with a celebratory statue in Hobart’s main civic square.

A Rejection of Celebration

The decision to remove the statue does not aim to erase history but rather to reject the celebration of certain colonial figures and their controversial stories. Rather than destroy the statue, the plinth will remain as an interpretive piece, educating visitors about the complex story of Crowther, Lanne, and the societal context of the time. The council is currently in conversation with various institutions, such as the state library, museum, and parliament, to find a new home for the statue.

An Opportunity for Reckoning

The removal of the William Crowther statue in Hobart signifies an important moment for reflection and reckoning with Australia’s troubled past. As the country grapples with its colonial history and its treatment of Indigenous Australians, the removal of commemorations of figures involved in acts of violence and discrimination is a step towards acknowledging the pain and suffering experienced by First Nations peoples.

A More Complete History

Hobart’s Lord Mayor’s statement about wanting to tell a more complete story is significant. By removing statues that glorify individuals associated with racist practices, Australia can begin to create a historical narrative that includes voices and perspectives that have been silenced for far too long. This is an opportunity for Australia to confront its past and acknowledge the harmful legacies that continue to affect Indigenous communities.

Public Opinion and Engagement

Indigenous campaigners have long been advocating for the removal of statues like William Crowther’s, which symbolize colonial violence. The fact that the decision to remove the statue was supported by a majority vote demonstrates a growing awareness and engagement with the importance of acknowledging and addressing the country’s history of mistreatment towards First Nations peoples.

Looking Ahead

The removal of the William Crowther statue should serve as a catalyst for further conversations and actions aimed at recognizing and rectifying past wrongs. It is crucial for Australians to continue engaging in open dialogue, education, and policy-making that supports Indigenous communities and promotes reconciliation.

Conclusion

The removal of the William Crowther statue in Hobart is a significant step towards acknowledging Australia’s troubled past and addressing the legacies of colonial violence and discrimination. By actively removing statues that celebrate figures involved in racist practices, Australia can begin to tell a more complete and inclusive history. This is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and actions that promote reconciliation and support Indigenous communities in their ongoing quest for justice and equality.