William Crowther statue targeted ahead of tribunal decision on its removal

Before a long-awaited decision could be served on the fate of a controversial statue, vandals took matters into their own hands. Now, the official decision has been handed down >>

The William Crowther statue in Franklin Square Hobart has been vandalised overnight resulting in the statue being removed from it's plinth and then removed by Hobart City Council. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Updated: The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has ruled in favour of the controversial statue of William Crowther coming down.

For decades there have been calls to remove the statue of the former premier, because he is known for mutilating the remains of Aboriginal man, William Lanne, stealing his skull and sending it to the Royal College of Surgeons in London.

In 2022 the Hobart City Council voted for the removal of the monument, which was erected in 1889.

Last year the Tasmanian Heritage Council also gave its blessing.

What followed was an appeal in the tribunal, launched by former Hobart City councillor Jeff Briscoe, on the grounds that the removal of the statue would affect the heritage values and cultural significance of Franklin Square.

The controversial William Crowther Statue at Franklin square, Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

The findings of the appeal were handed down on Wednesday, the verdict upholding council’s vote to take down the bronze part of the statue.

TASCAT president Malcolm Schyvens said the tribunal accepted removal of the statue would not be without cultural or heritage impacts on Franklin Square.

“However, we are not satisfied that the likely impact of the works on the historic cultural heritage significance of Franklin Square warrants refusal of a permit,” he said.

“The historic cultural heritage character of Franklin Square as a representative example of a Victorian era public park will remain.”

Council workers remove the statue. The William Crowther statue in Franklin Square Hobart has been vandalised overnight resulting in the statue being removed from it's plinth and then removed by Hobart City Council. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

He said leaving the sandstone plinth behind would preserve the memorial.

“The retained and interpreted plinth of the Crowther Monument will remain in situ and otherwise essentially undisturbed,” Mr Schyvens said.

“It will present as a legible and tangible memorial form, and evidence of the broader story of memorialisation.”

He said the signage, which will accompany the plinth, would paint a fuller picture of historical events.

“The proposal can tell part of the monument’s story that is otherwise untold in Franklin Square, and has evolved through various works in the square over some decades,” Mr Schyvens said.

“In this sense, the proposed building and works seek to assist to complete the history, to present day.

“An understanding of the change will be fostered through the appropriately sited and scale temporary signage, which is intended to be replaced in time with permanent signage.”

Each party will bear their own costs, unless applications are made within 28 days.

The appellants spent around $39,000 on the appeal.

May 15, 9.25am: Vandals have succeeded in knocking down a controversial statue at Franklin Square, Hobart — the night before a long awaited decision on its future.

The Crowther statue is now laying flat, and red graffiti states “decolonize”.

Police and council workers are currently on the scene.

Vandals cut down the controversial William Crowther statue overnight in Hobart's Franklin Square. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Vandals cut down the controversial William Crowther statue overnight in Hobart's Franklin Square. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Crowther statue targeted on eve of crucial decision

Initial May 14: Hobart community will soon learn the fate of a controversial statue at Franklin Square, but before the long awaited decision, vandals have tried to take things into their own hands.

There have long been calls to remove the statue of former Tasmanian Premier, William Crowther, who is known for decapitating the remains of Aboriginal man William Lanne, stealing his skull and sending it to the Royal College of Surgeons in London.

In 2022 came the historic decision from the Hobart City Council, that the monument be taken down, leaving only the plinth behind.

Last year came the tick of approval from the Heritage Council, which would have cemented the vote.

But the council’s decision was appealed in the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT), which is due to reveal its verdict on Wednesday morning.

But ahead of that news, vandals have targeted the statue.

On the eve of the tribunal handing down its decision on the Crowther statue, vandals, have attempted to take things into their own hands. Image: The Mercury.

“We have been notified of significant damage to the Crowther statue which has occurred overnight whereby both legs of the statue appear to have been cut by a grinder over halfway through each leg,” Hobart City Council CEO Michael Stretton said.

“An investigation is underway with Tasmanian Police.”

It’s not the first time the statue has been targeted by vandals. Last year, it was covered in red paint, in an act which cost the council thousands of dollars to clean up.

The most recent damage to the statue has anger those who lodged the appeal against its removal.

“I am appalled and saddened by what they have done. One can only hope it can be successfully repaired,” lead appellant and former Hobart City councillor Jeff Briscoe said.

“It is especially upsetting to the community as it occurred on the eve of the decision from our TASCAT appeal for demolition and removal.”

On the eve of the tribunal handing down its decision on the Crowther statue, vandals, have attempted to take things into their own hands. Image: The Mercury.

Hobart City councillor Louise Elliot, who has been vocal about her opposition to the removal, said the act was “arrogant”

“I condemn the damage to the Crowther statue. The statue was paid for by the people of Hobart in 1880s and the people of Hobart have again be fighting to save it,” she said.

Though condemned by some, the actions were commended by others.

“Good on them. It would have been more appropriate to cut off his head as opposed to his ankles,” Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre campaigner Nala Mansell said.

“The community have said it no longer has a place in Hobart, it’s no longer something that should be celebrated.

“People have been waiting for a long time … I can understand why someone would feel the need to take matters into their own hands.”

Ms Mansell said the statue was a painful reminder for Aboriginal people.

“We know that statue reminds us of all the atrocities committed against our people,” she said.

“While Aboriginal people are still dealing with issues today dealing with the disrespect of remains, we’re still having to see a statue celebrating a man responsible for horrific acts.”