Mayor for community discussions regarding Barton statue

"In my role as a community leader I have the upmost respect for our nation's first people and believe that council can, and should do more, to ensure that we reflect genuine respect in our united vision for the future of our region," said Mayor Pinson.

"The world has many shameful stories in its history which cannot be erased, but history it is, and I believe it is in the now that we must find balance and common ground for a better future.

"I am committed to supporting changing the lens of our society and working towards inclusiveness which demonstrates our multicultural community of today" said Mayor Pinson.

Edmund Barton was a supporter of "White Australia", and this is linked to contemporary inequitable ideologies and racism say the petition organisers.

Edmund Barton was explicitly racist, quote: "There is no racial equality. There is that basic inequality. These races are, in comparison with white races – I think no-one wants convincing of this fact – unequal and inferior."

"It is offensive to glorify this man who represents racist ideologies on this sacred site" say the organisers.

"It's time to be more culturally inclusive and start thinking about place and streetscape and how glorifying father's of racism reinforces outdated narratives".

"Let them remain in the history books, but out of our shared spaces and First Nation's sacred places".

Sir Edmund "Toby" Barton, GCMG, KC (18 January 1849 – 7 January 1920) was a politician and judge who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1901 to 1903. He resigned to become a founding member of the High Court of Australia, where he served until his death.

Comments on the petition:

Liam Graham

In the 22 years I've lived in this town I've never once heard someone say "That's a nice statue". It's ugly - come on, let's get rid of it

Laura Sanger

We need to dismantle these parts of culture which continue to support inequality being created by force, oppression and unquestioned privilege. To have this on an sacred burial site demonstrates the wishes of those who have been privileged by the violence and oppression of colonialism are still being valued more than the wishes of those who hav… Read more

Peter Demmery

His colleagues nicknamed him Toby Tosspot, which most aptly described the total lack of morality and character the author of the White Australia Policy had.

Paul Patton

I support the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to a voice, to just treatment, and to treaties with the Commonwealth of Australia

Michael Smart

It's disrespectful

Jim Erskine

All people are equal!

Vicki Purcell

I consider racism and racist viewpoints not to be tolerated as they do not contribute positively to humanities united future

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