Controversial Crowther statue recommended for removal

A report for Council recommends that a controversial statue of William Crowther in Hobart’s Franklin Square be removed – but not everyone thinks it’s a good idea.

The controversial statue of William Crowther in Hobart’s Franklin Square should be removed, a report to a Hobart City Council committee has recommended.

The report to the HCC’s community, culture and events committee recommends the partial removal of the bronze statue and the commissioning of a new interpretation and/or sculpture all up costing $70,000.

The plinth would be retained and a permanent home would be found for the statue.

The report recommends that after the completion of the “Crowther Reinterpreted Project”, the council develop a monuments policy “to inform future additions or removals to the city’s collection”.

Crowther Statue Transformation

Dr Crowther was a 19th century medical practitioner and former Premier who stole the skull of Tasmanian Aborigine William Lanne and was removed as honorary medical officer.

Committee chair Councillor Zelinda Sherlock said the project was in line with the council’s 2020 Aboriginal Commitment and Action Plan “that all elected members supported”.

“The bulk of the comments the project received, demonstrated that the community wanted something practical done about the statue,” Dr Sherlock said.

Zelinda Sherlock

“The recommendations are based on what the majority of Hobartians have told us.

“I encourage everyone to read the report.”

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds also encouraged people to read the report ahead of the committee’s meeting this Thursday night.

“It is based on evidence and submissions,” Ms Reynolds said.

However, Ald Jeff Briscoe said if the statue was removed it would “just disappear”.

“It will be a very costly exercise and I would prefer we take the middle ground and consider more than just view,” he said.

‘We are setting a precedent by removing this statue.

“Hobart has a lot of dark history, should Davey and Macquarie streets be renamed – where do you stop?”

City of Hobart Councillor Marti Zucco. Picture: Chris Kidd

Alderman Marti Zucco questioned why the statue issue was being rushed and has written to the council’s chief executive to ask if the removal had been through the council’s engagement policy.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre campaign co-ordinator Nala Mansell described the recommendations as “excellent”.

“It’s great. The Aboriginal community has been calling for this statue to be removed for so many years because it symbolises disrespect towards our community for mutilating an Aboriginal man,” Ms Mansell said.

“You don’t have statues of Hitler around the place and the same applies here. Get rid of him”.

Ms Mansell said she would meeting with the council ahead of its vote on the statue’s removal.