Appeal Abandoned: Hobart's Crowther Statue to Remain Removed

The group behind the failed bid to save the Franklin Square statue of Dr. William Crowther has announced they will not pursue further legal action. The statue's removal was confirmed after the Hobart City Council's 2022 decision was upheld by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT). This marks the end of a contentious chapter in Hobart’s efforts to address its colonial legacy.

Former Alderman Jeff Briscoe, National Trust Councillor Chris Merridew, and Crowther family member Anne Blyth Burleigh spearheaded the appeal against the council's decision. Despite their efforts, TASCAT ruled in favor of the statue's removal, allowing the City of Hobart to proceed with its plans, though not before vandals defaced the statue with an angle grinder on May 15th. The monument's plinth was spray-painted with the messages “What goes around” and “Decolonize” before the statue was toppled.

Briscoe stated that the decision to forego an appeal to the Supreme Court was made to reduce ongoing emotional conflict within the community and to further reconciliation goals. Although he expressed confidence in their legal grounds for a successful appeal, he acknowledged that it would extend the dispute for years.

“The decision has opened up the legal floodgates on colonial heritage monuments throughout Australia. Every statue could be subject to activist local councils removing these important heritage items,” Briscoe warned. He criticized the tribunal for being overly influenced by negative community perceptions without substantial evidence but recognized the importance of moving forward.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds welcomed the group’s decision not to appeal. She emphasized the city's commitment to fostering a community that respects diverse historical narratives. "The City of Hobart welcomes the decision by the appellant not to appeal TASCAT’s ruling to uphold the removal of the William Crowther statue from Franklin Square,” she said.

With the conclusion of the appeal process, Hobart can advance the Crowther Reinterpreted project, which aims to create a more inclusive historical representation in Franklin Square. The next phase will involve engaging with the community and stakeholders to discuss and implement changes reflecting a broader and more inclusive narrative.

The City must meet Heritage Council conditions, including the safe storage of the statue and maintaining the plinth. There is a push to relocate the statue to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), which Briscoe and his group identify as an ideal location.

Lord Mayor Reynolds assured that the statue is being preserved respectfully and plans are in place to reunite its parts. "Our goal will be to reunite the feet with the rest of the statue and certainly care for it and preserve it in a respectful manner," she stated.

As the community awaits further developments, Tasmania Police have yet to disclose if any charges have been filed regarding the vandalism of the statue. The removal of the Crowther statue is seen as a pivotal step towards a more inclusive commemoration of Tasmania's past, reflecting diverse perspectives and fostering reconciliation.