More Than 50,000 People Want Dan Andrews To Scrap Renaming Maroondah Hospital After The Queen
"Displacing Aboriginal names in favour of colonial symbols of privilege and royalty is completely misreading the mood."
A petition is calling for Dan Andrews to not go ahead with plans to strip a Melbourne hospital of its Indigenous name.
The Victorian Premier had pledged to rename Maroondah Hospital after Queen Elizabeth II if his Labor government was re-elected in the upcoming state election.
‘Maroondah’ is derived from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung word for ‘leaf’, and Andrews’ announcement was met with backlash from Indigenous activists who pointed out the colonisation parallels if the move went ahead.
The sentiment has been reflected in the over 50,000 signatures accumulated opposing the main selling point of the $1 billion plan, which was also see an expansion and redevelopment of the building itself.
“Displacing Aboriginal names in favour of colonial symbols of privilege and royalty is completely misreading the mood,” said Co-Chair of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria, Marcus Stewart in a statement.
“I think there’s a real hunger from people in Victoria to learn more about and connect with the oldest living culture in the world. Embracing our languages is a great starting point for that, it’s a gateway or a key to a sense of connection and the beginnings of some understanding and appreciation for our history and culture,” the Nira illim bulluk man said.
Andrews hit back at criticism on September 20, saying the move was okay because Maroondah still remains the name of the local government area the hospital is located in.
“It’s a brand new hospital for Melbourne’s east and it’s going to get a new name and it’s going to be absolutely fantastic,” said Andrews. “I think you would, in light of the tragic passing of the former Queen, you would want to perhaps pay tribute to her.”
It comes as Victoria progresses with its journey to establishing a Treaty through the First People’s Assembly of Victoria — a democratically elected, independent authority who will develop the framework.
Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe pointed out on Twitter that the Maroondah Hospital name change is not what a Treaty looked like, after the initial announcement.
“We’re making great progress with the Government when it comes to establishing the framework and process that will enable Treaty-making in Victoria, but the Premier’s comments about needing to stay in our lane were very disappointing and a bit alarming,” agreed Stewart.
“I hope [Dan Andrews is] willing to rethink his stance on this one, he should listen to our voice and the voice of 50,000 allies who have added their name to this petition.”
You can sign the petition here.
Photo Credit: Martin Ollman/Stringer