The Greens have deemed the decision by Premier Daniel Andrews to rename a hospital after Queen Elizabeth II inappropriate.
Mr. Andrews stated on Sunday that, if re-elected, his government will spend up to $1.05 billion to restore the Maroondah hospital in northeast Melbourne and rename it after the Queen.
Indigenous organisations and allies assert that removing the hospital’s First Nations name and replacing it with the name of the monarch will make Indigenous people feel “culturally uncomfortable” when seeking medical care.
The Victorian Greens will introduce a motion to prevent the renaming of Melbourne’s Maroondah hospital after Queen Elizabeth II.
Samantha Ratnam, leader of the Victorian Greens, stated that renaming the hospital will make Indigenous people feel ‘culturally insecure’
Samantha Ratnam, the leader of the Victorian Greens, lashed out at the move on Tuesday, prior to her party’s motion in the state legislature to overturn the proposed name change.
She stated, “As Victoria begins its historic Treaty process, Labor must listen to First Nations communities and act immediately.”
What was Labor thinking when it decided to change the name of a hospital from a First Nations phrase to the name of a foreign monarch symbolizing colonization?
Premier Daniel Andrews stated a re-elected Labor government will spend up to $1.05bn refurbishing and rebranding the Maroondah hospital (above) as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
It is a disgraceful choice to eliminate the Woiwurrung language. This is not how Treaty appears.
If this government is serious about the Treaty, it would listen to First Nations communities and take action immediately, not later.
Monday, following strong criticism, Mr. Andrews defended the hospital’s rebranding.
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews (above) supported renaming the hospital since it will be “brand new” once renovated and symbolize the Queen’s support for healthcare.
He stated that the homage to the Queen will honor her unrelenting dedication to healthcare and the community.
Mr. Andrews stated, “It’s a brand-new hospital for Melbourne’s east, and it’s getting a new name, and it’s going to be absolutely magnificent.”
She was responsible for opening hospitals in Victoria… I don’t believe anyone could deny her compassion and genuine concern for hospital patients.
The neighboring Maroondah would retain its indigenous name, he added.