Jarrod Edwards calls for Braddon name change

Greens candidate for Braddon Jarrod Edwards has today (announced) announced he will be campaigning for and has written to the AEC requesting a name change for the federal electorate of Braddon.

Mr Edwards said “Victoria has 11 of its 38 federal electorates named after aboriginal people or using aboriginal names, and around the country nearly 15% of electorates are aboriginal words. Why nothing in Tasmania?”

“Tasmania has 5 electorates named after famous white people, but nothing to reflect its tens of thousands of years of aboriginal heritage and community leadership”

‘I’ve asked the AEC to change the name of Braddon to ‘Lanne”, after William Lanne, often referred to as ‘King Billy”.

“He is a much loved, respected and honoured member of our community and a true Tasmanian icon.

“William Lanne’s story is one of incredible resilience and also immense sadness, and it’s a story that every Tasmanian needs to know.

‘His story began in here in North West Tasmania, and given this was his homeland what better way to honour him?

“I would consider this to be an important step towards treaty, recognition and better representation with our state and nations first people.

“I was heartened, as were many Tasmanian’s of aboriginal heritage, that a community campaign in Melbourne managed to change the name of ‘Batman’ to that of indigenous activist William ‘Cooper’. So it can be done, it’s entirely possible”.

“I will also be writing to Labor candidate Justine Keay and Liberal candidate Brett Whitely seeking their support for my community campaign, and today I ask them both to show leadership by publicly backing this move”.
Greens candidate for Braddon Jarrod Edwards