When I first heard the expression 'coon' in reference to Aboriginal persons, I was in the NT, in the '70s. Hadn't heard of it as such before that. I was told by (non-aboriginal) locals that it was originally an aboriginal word that meant person, or man, and became part of the (non-aboriginal) slang. Which may or may be the case: FWIW, that's how I heard it.
Meanwhile, as for the (non-aboriginal) name 'Coon', I did have a (non-aboriginal) acquaitance by that name many moons ago.
As for it being derogatory, it's an unfortunate fact that many otherwise neutral expressions in reference to aboriginal persons were frequently used in a derogative tone: blackfella, abo, all that sort of thing.
I do note that numerous place-names around the country have 'Coon' as a prefix. What it signifies in those names I couldn't say.
So: will all Australian place-names which feature the spelling and sound 'coon..' be changed? If not, why not?
In conclusion, this business of activists venting their spleen on an uncommon but distinctive product name which has absolutely nothing to do with their actual grievances, is utter BS.
I'm not a fan of Mark Latham, but in this case he's completely right.
