I have watched with a heavy heart, the defacement of the Captain Cook statue, a piece of history personal to me and many other Australians. This act of disrespect occurred just before Australia Day of 2025, tarnishing what should be a day of national pride. This isn't just about one statue. Vandalism damages public property, disrupts communities, and obscures our shared connection to history.

In 2020 alone, there were 20,931 recorded incidents of public area vandalism in New South Wales, citing data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. Vandalism is a growing issue that we must confront. Our recreational spaces, community institutions, and historical landmarks are at risk. A denial of our shared history won't help us move forward or address the past's profound complexities.

Therefore, we appeal to the government to strengthen the existing laws against vandalism and increase surveillance of public spaces and historical landmarks. We also urge the public to show respect for our shared heritage and promote dialogue instead of destruction. Please support this effort to protect our precious monuments from vandalism by signing this petition.

Dear Fellow Australians,

I am writing to bring your attention to a concerning issue that has been plaguing our nation – the repeated acts of vandalism against historical monuments such as the Captain Cook statue. In the past year, we have witnessed this iconic statue being defaced not once but twice, with the most recent incident still under police investigation.

Vandalism against public property not only tarnishes the appearance of our cities but also undermines our collective respect for the historical and cultural significance of these monuments. It is crucial that we, as a community, stand together to condemn such acts and work towards preserving our nation's history and heritage.

In an effort to address this issue, I urge you to join me in signing a petition that calls for stricter penalties for vandalism against historical monuments and increased measures to protect these sites from further desecration. This initiative aims to deter vandals and encourage a greater sense of responsibility among citizens towards our shared history.

Together, we can send a strong message that the preservation of Australia's cultural heritage is a matter of national importance, and we will not tolerate any attempts to deface or destroy these symbols of our past.

Please join me in signing the petition and sharing it with your friends and family. Every signature brings us closer to creating a safer and more respectful environment for our cherished historical monuments.

Thank you for your support and commitment to preserving Australia's rich history.

Sincerely,

[t.murphy]
Tessa Murphy