Why Changing Australian Place Names to Indigenous Names Is Unnecessary and Problematic

1. Lack of Written Records and Linguistic Variance

A significant challenge in changing place names to those claimed by Indigenous groups is the absence of written records. Indigenous Australians, prior to European colonization, relied on oral traditions. Oral histories are valuable, but they are inherently fluid, with names, meanings, and interpretations evolving over time and varying across different regions and tribes. Additionally, there was no single common Indigenous language; Australia was home to over 250 distinct languages, many of which had multiple dialects. As a result, the names given by different groups to the same geographical features can vary, making it difficult to determine which names are historically accurate.

The current system of place names, established during colonization, provides clarity and consistency across Australia’s vast landscape. Altering these names based on unverifiable claims would create confusion and fragmentation, especially when there is no clear consensus even among Indigenous groups about what those names should be.

2. Written History and Continuity

The current names of many Australian places were documented in writing during European exploration, settlement, and subsequent development of the nation. These names are part of Australia’s written history, tied to navigational charts, official records, maps, and legal documents that have stood the test of time. While some of these names may have been imposed by colonizers, they reflect Australia’s historical narrative, including the growth of towns, infrastructure, and governance. Changing these names would not only disrupt this continuity but also risk diminishing the value of the nation’s written historical legacy.

This is not to argue that Indigenous cultures should be overlooked, but there are other ways to honour them, such as through cultural preservation efforts, heritage sites, and education, without erasing established names with historical significance.

3. Lack of Necessity and Practical Concerns

Renaming places is not a necessity for reconciliation or cultural recognition. Efforts to preserve and promote Indigenous languages, stories, and heritage can coexist alongside Australia’s established place names. Furthermore, renaming could lead to a range of practical problems, from legal and administrative costs to logistical challenges. Signage, maps, and official documentation would need to be altered, which would be an expensive and time-consuming endeavour with little tangible benefit.

Moreover, forcing name changes could alienate portions of the population who feel connected to the current names, particularly those in rural and remote areas where places are named after local settlers or significant events in Australia’s post-colonial history.

4. Verifiability and Authenticity

Given the lack of written records from Indigenous cultures, many of the names proposed for change cannot be verified with certainty. In cases where the original Indigenous name is known and documented, there may be grounds for dual naming, but in many instances, the names are based on oral traditions that have been passed down through generations, making it difficult to determine their authenticity.

Changing names based on potentially incomplete or disputed histories risks undermining the integrity of place naming, as it opens the door to subjective interpretation rather than objective, evidence-based decisions. When names cannot be definitively verified, it becomes problematic to justify widespread changes.

Conclusion: Respect for All Aspects of Australia’s Heritage

Australia’s place names, whether derived from Indigenous, European, or other origins, form an integral part of the nation’s identity. Changing them en masse based on unverifiable claims could diminish the country’s historical continuity and cause confusion. Honouring Indigenous culture should not require the erasure of existing names that hold their own historical significance. Instead, efforts should focus on broader recognition and respect for the diversity of Australia’s past, ensuring that all facets of its heritage are acknowledged and preserved.

While Indigenous names and culture deserve to be remembered, the current place names have their own established significance, and change should be approached with caution, considering both the written history and the challenges of verifiability.