Arts
Hobart Establishes New Speakers Corner
Transcript of media conference to launch Speakers Corner at Salamanca Plaza, Hobart, 26 April 2021.
Anna Reynolds, Mayor of Hobart
Hobart has a new home for free speech. And it’s here in the heart of Salamanca. It’s really exciting that we’ve got a place where people can come, they can book a spot, and they can give their ideas about the world, about Hobart, or they can present a new piece of writing or a poem. It’s wonderful to have a new home for free speech in Hobart. And fantastic that it’s here in the heart of Salamanca.
Journalist
And this will be a trial to begin with, is that right?
Anna Reynolds
That’s right, we’re trialling it for six months in this location and with this arrangement, it will be able to be…spots will be able to be booked here, Monday to Friday for a couple of hours. So it’s a way to really formalise the the Speakers Corner arrangements, and really ensure that everybody knows that Speakers Corner is here, because we really think this could build some momentum around free speech and also performance art here in the heart of Hobart.
Journalist
Where did the idea come about?
Councillor Zelinda Sherlock
So the original idea actually stems from Hyde Park, in London, and of course, around various different cities around the world and in Australia, this has been taking place. It sort of dwindled away a little bit here in Hobart. And we thought we would like to bring it back
Tasmanian Times
Is says on the sign behind you that the council hopes people present in a respectful manner. There have been some problems, some issues with public speaking in the past in the Mall, so how are you going to resolve those issues here?
Zelinda Sherlock
What we intend on doing is actually having a permit, the permit will be displayed at all times. We also will ensure that the speeches are within the framework and the gamut of the anti Discrimination Act. And of course, one of our major challenges within society is to accept difference of opinions and of ideas, without oppression, without discrimination. And so we have instituted the fact that it would be within the framework of the Anti Discrimination Act. There’s no cost to speak. But of course, the individual will actually have to obtain a permit and display the permit as well. You have
Tasmanian Times
Do you have to bring your own soapbox?
Zelinda Sherlock
Well, you could actually stand up on that piece, I suppose. But if you wanted to yes, absolutely. (inaudible – voice from Council staff member). No, you can’t at all.
Journalist – Sam Mazur
Just to clarify. The previous terms and conditions for Speakers Corner Elizabeth did allocate a small party or pedestal. Is that still part of the terms and conditions?
Zelinda Sherlock
So the terms and conditions down here will be that you will just be able to speak in that corner, there won’t be a podium or any tangible place that you can stand except for that spot there. So please don’t bring anything.
Tasmanian Times
Are speakers are able to bring their own amplification?
Zelinda Sherlock
No, no, they cannot. Of course, they can bring their pamphlets if they like, and they can put them to the side, they can talk. They are not allowed to approach the audience, the audience can come and approach them if they are interested in doing so. Pamphlets can be put to the side and available.
Journalist – Sam Mazur
Will the terms and conditions allow small tables? It’s pretty windy out here right now. Pamphlets would be blowing everywhere without a rock sitting on them.
Anna Reynolds
Look, I think we prefer to leave some of those details up to the trial. But clearly, we don’t really want a lot of extra paraphernalia. It is meant to be a Speakers Corner and pamphlets and things can be can be brought along. But we don’t really want lots of tables and other paraphernalia around here. But it’s really here to give it a trial. We’re inviting people to come and put forward their views, put forward their pieces of creative writing, to have a great audience and let’s build the brand of the Speakers Corner so Hobart is really known for being a fantastic home for free speech
Tasmanian Times
Will the Corner still be available on Salamanca market day?
Anna Reynolds
No. The Speakers Corner is operating during the week, so Monday to Friday, between between 10 and 12. We think that’s a really great time for promoting this Speakers Corner, it will activate this area at a time when there are lots of people around. But during the Salamanca market day, it’s such a busy time, that it would be a bit cramped in here. There are obviously other options for people, there’s the option for protests and things in Parliament lawns. But this Speakers Corner, we’re really targeting that Monday to Friday spot. But now what I’d like to do if I can is invite our first inaugural speaker at Speakers Corner, who is Mr Young Dawkins. And Mr Dawkins is a very well-renowned local poet of global and national note. And he is going to launch our Speakers Corner through doing a piece of performance poetry for us here today. So I will hand over to Young, and did you want to say any words about the concept generally?
Young Dawkins
Yes. This is fantastic. Because I’ve had the opportunity actually, to perform poetry at Hyde Park. And this is a really, really wonderful thing. And it’s a great new platform for people with something to say, and even more a platform for people who want to listen. And that whole idea of exchanging words is so powerful. I really applaud the city and the Council for making this decision and making this space available. And I’m deeply honoured to be the inaugural speaker in this space.
The new Speakers’ Corner is available for public speech between 10am and midday, Monday to Friday. Speakers can book a 30-minute session online at hobartcity.com.au/speakerscorner or by phoning 6238 2711. Permits must be displayed while speaking and the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act apply to all speakers.
Speakers can display pamphlets and other reading material but are not to approach listeners. Interested audience members may approach the speaker for more information.
Members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the new location and times and the use of Speakers’ Corner by visiting yoursay.hobartcity.com.au.
The six-month trial will conclude at the end of October and feedback received will help determine the ongoing arrangements for Speakers’ Corner.
Young Dawkins
So this poem is called Our Lives Among The flowers Of Forgetfulness. And there was an Arts Competition recently put together by the Underground Arts Bar. And this poem was selected as the Lord Mayor’s choice. So it feels appropriate to read it this morning. And it’s very much my love letter to Tasmania.
Our Lives Among The flowers Of Forgetfulness
They say this wind begins in Patagonia.
We know better.
Our tempest blows from forever, gathering rain and rainbows, sprouting cherries as big as small apples, apples bigger than a fist.
All this…even the fish have opinions.
We, the children of transportation, acknowledge black lines.
Rape. Iron rings and rock. Shame we cannot take back.
Palatal say man sprang from kangaroo. It’s likely true. We cherish transformation.
We live so close to the final ice. Crystal nights pulsing magnetic green, castaways on the seventh sea.
Adrift, apart and nowhere else we would be.
Our home is here. lutruwita