Opponents against the removal of a colonial-era statue from Hobart’s Franklin Square argue that his popularity in Tasmania is underestimated.
The Hobart City Council voted to remove the statue in 2023, citing his involvement in the mutilation of Aboriginal man William Lanny’s body.
As reported by ABC Radio, during a Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal hearing on Monday, opponents questioned whether the Aboriginal community’s opposition to the statue was substantiated.
The fate of the 1880s statue, which currently remains in place, will be determined by the tribunal after the completion of hearings scheduled for the remainder of the week.
The Aboriginal community has previously expressed disappointment at the appeal and accused those behind it of attempting to delay the removal process.
A GoFundMe set up to support the appeal has so far raised over $7,000.
