Issue 6: Replacing place names (including offensive names) with Aboriginal names

The general view expressed across submissions was that a revised Aboriginal and Dual Naming Policy should include a specific mechanism for the Nomenclature Board to consider and replace all current place names offensive to the Aboriginal community, with some calling for the reconsideration of existing place names adopted under the current policy.

Question 6.1: Should a revised Aboriginal and Dual Naming Policy include a specific mechanism for the Nomenclature Board to consider and replace all current place names offensive to the Aboriginal community?

There were 13 responses to this question with all but one submission supporting the development of a specific mechanism for the Nomenclature Board to consider and replace all current place names offensive to the Aboriginal community.

One local government submission stated that ‘as a matter of principle the policy ought make provision for replacing place names including offensive names with Aboriginal names, however, to ensure integrity and acceptance of the community, this needs to be supported with evidence’ .

Two submissions indicated that some or all names endorsed under the existing Policy may be considered offensive to some Aboriginal people or groups. One respondent noted that while they supported ‘the inclusion of a specific mechanism for the Nomenclature Board to consider and replace all current place names deemed offensive to Aboriginal communities’, they seek to have this expanded to include ‘those [place names] already agreed to under the present policy’ .

One submission noted that ‘what is offensive is a very subjective thing. There are things that I find offensive which others find quite acceptable’ . Another respondent noted that ‘while some names may be considered offensive by some people or some Aboriginal communities, what is more offensive is the imposition of a dual Aboriginal name given to a locality or feature without proper research on its authenticity, consultation or acceptance by the local community’ .