Australian Electoral Commission drops plan to rename Franklin electorate after Aboriginal warrior

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has scrapped a controversial initiative to rename the Tasmanian federal electorate of Franklin to Tongerlongeter, the name of an Aboriginal resistance leader who died in 1837. Commissioner Jeff Pope said the panel found the historical link compelling, yet submissions highlighted division among Aboriginal organisations and a broader demand for more consultation. The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, represented by campaign manager Nala Mansell, criticised the move as offensive, noting the warrior’s original name was Tukalunginta.

Although other suggestions like Mathinna, Rooke and Woureddy were on the table, the redistribution schedule did not allow further review. The AEC received 272 written submissions, with some Aboriginal corporations supporting the change. It now plans to consider any future electorate name alterations at the next redistribution, when a more extensive consultation can occur.