Overview

• The John Batman statue in Melbourne's CBD was severed in half early Saturday morning, just before Australia Day.
• The monument, erected in 1881, has faced criticism for its portrayal of Aboriginal history and Batman's role in colonial violence.
• Police are investigating this act of vandalism and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
• The incident follows other recent acts of vandalism, including the beheading of two former prime ministers' statues in Ballarat and graffiti at an Australia Day ceremony site in Ringwood.
• Authorities have increased security around other monuments, including a Captain Cook statue in St Kilda, which has been frequently targeted in the past.