This glib introduction to many a diatribe on the state of multiculturalism or a throwaway summary of Indigenous affairs in this country is a sad indictment on the opinions that masquerade as argument. At the heart of this position lies a mendacious appeal to reason with an inherent refusal to accept or even investigate an opinion often based on prejudice.

The  problem is not so much in the holding of the opinion but in the failure to recognise it as such.  The failure to see the limitations and inclinations of self-belief is not a good starting point for an argument.  Rather than a détente on the level playing field of ideas, it tends to take up shelter behind the ramparts of self-righteousness to hurl whatever incendiaries will destroy its opposition. Unfortunately the debate around the naming of the suburb Mullawallah deteriorated to these levels.

Now the naming of a new suburb has finally been laid to rest. The dedication originally hoped for an esteemed Aboriginal elder by naming a new suburb after him looks likely to go the way of history. The pity here is a great opportunity has been missed to recognise the past out of which this city grew.

The unique and lyrical nature of the name, like so many in Australia that have become a deep part of its culture, and sense of place will be lost to all but historians and archivists. The problem is what passed for argument against the name was too often a mask for other fears and prejudices and yet it held sway. Ballarat’s legacy is the poorer.