William Crowther: controversial statue toppled in Hobart one night before removal decision due

Controversial monument of a Tasmanian premier who beheaded the body of an Indigenous man damaged and graffitied

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A controversial statue of William Crowther has been toppled in Franklin Square, Hobart, after its legs were cut through the night before a decision on its removal.

It was dumped face-down on the ground beside its podium, which was graffitied in red with the word “decolonize” and “what goes around”.