Queen’s portrait remains

HCC votes to keep monarch and add artwork

A PORTRAIT of Queen Elizabeth II at the head of the Hobart City Council chamber will not be replaced by Aboriginal artwork.

Instead elected members on Wednesday night voted to have Aboriginal art accompany the monarch’s photo.

A report presented to council recommended Tasmanian Aboriginal artwork be selected for permanent display, and reposition the Queen’s portrait in the chamber, if required.

Councillor Jeff Briscoe – who said the issue would become divisive if Aboriginal artwork were the only piece displayed atop the council chamber — moved an amendment that the Queen’s portrait remain and Aboriginal art accompany it.

The motion passed 10-1, with Ald Will Coats opposing the item, citing Aboriginal artwork should instead be placed somewhere more in the public eye.

The item’s passage will see the Queen’s portrait, Aboriginal artwork and the council’s Community Vision Statement share the same wall.

Despite supporting the item, Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds told councillors she would have preferred the Queen’s portrait moved to another wall.

Speaking after the meeting, Mayor Reynolds said that comment was based on room aesthetics.

She said last night’s decision would see the HCC chambers get its first makeover in more than 30 years

“It will now better reflect the diversity of our community with new elements that will sit on the main wall behind the Lord Mayor,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Retaining the Queen on the wall was important to some in the community and I think there will be a nice mix of all elements – it will create an interesting wall for the chamber.”

Councillors also agreed to update the historical portrait of the Queen to a more contemporary image of her.

Australians for Constitutional Monarchy state convener Reg Watson has said it would be the “height of rudeness and disregard” to move the Queen’s portrait.

Meanwhile, a rezoning of land adjoining the North Hobart Lefroy St Car Park was approved to go to a public notification process.

Also given the green light at the meeting — which included messages of tribute to recently deceased Hobart property developer Ali Sultan — were new toilets and facilities at Tolmans Hill Playground and replacement of the toilets at Long Beach Reserve.