PHA (Vic & Tas) has added its voice to the diverse chorus of the Australian arts, entertainment and cultural sector seeking to help shape the National Cultural Policy. Read our statement here. To read all the public submissions scroll this webpage <https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policy> to the formal submissions.
Read our statement HERE.
PHA (Vic and Tas) acknowledge the pain and suffering caused to the palawa by the statue of Dr WL Crowther in Franklin Square, primarily due to Crowther’s involvement in the removal, dissection and mutilation of the remains of William Lanne.
PHA (Vic & Tas) strongly believe that the reinterpretation of the statue, whether that be through its removal, replacement or alteration, should be led by palawa voices. Throughout Australia white elites have used statues in an attempt to re-image an Aboriginal landscape as European. Being led by palawa voices would allow for a redress in the way that history, which has glorified white male power and privilege, has been told and memorialised in the past.
We do feel that the statue is a cultural artefact of the past and it should be preserved – if not in situ, in a safe repository such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It would provide an opportunity to educate the public about past injustices and contribute to truth telling. Whether removal, replacement or alteration of the statue happens, having a permanent installation or marker at the site that explains why it was removed, or adding new plaques or a counter-monument to the existing statue that reflect palawa voices and present a counter-history will ensure that the past, however painful, is not forgotten.
We acknowledge that this statement does not represent the views of all of our members.
Update (30/4/21) : The Advocacy Sub Committee received valuable feedback from members concerning the PHA (Vic & Tas) submission paper. We have revised our submission in response to this feedback. We acknowledge that this statement does not represent the views of all of our members.
The PHA (Vic & Tas) Advocacy Sub Committee has prepared a submission outlining our support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution. You can read our statement here.
Members are encouraged to consider making their own submission, there is ample guidance online including the support kit and the Interim Voice report.
Submissions are due this Friday 30 April 2021 and should be lodged via this web link: https://haveyoursay.voice.niaa.gov.au/
With thanks to the Advocacy Sub Committee: Michelle Blake, Lucy Bracey, Donna Fearne, Sonia Jennings and Elizabeth Offer and all those who responded to our call for feedback.
Kimberley Meagher, President
Public consultation on the Heritage Act was undertaken between June and August 2015, with submissions invited in response to a published discussion paper. To see PHA (Vic)'s submission, click here.
Heritage Victoria received over 130 submissions and online survey responses. Where agreed to by the author, submissions have been published at: http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/heritage/about-heritage-in-victoria/heritage-act-review-2015.
In addition, a Summary Report provides an overview of the submissions received.
All submissions received are now being carefully considered to guide the future direction of the Heritage Act. Heritage Victoria will provide updates on its website as further information becomes available.
Professional Historians Association (Victoria & Tasmania)
PO Box 1223
Carlton VIC 3053
Australia
E: mail AT phavic.org.au
PHA (Vic & Tas) acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many Countries on which we practise and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay respects to Elders past and present and to the generations who have held and passed on the stories and knowledge of the lands, waters and people. We support the ongoing truth telling processes in Victoria and Tasmania.
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