The Victorian Government is set to spend a chunk of tax-payer funds to immortalise controversial ex-premier Daniel Andrews in a bronze statue.
Plans to make Mr Andrews the fifth premier to be given a permanent statue in Melbourne were revealed on the anniversary of his resignation on Thursday.
Bronze statues of state premiers who spent more than 3000 days in office are immortalised outside government offices near Treasury Gardens in central Melbourne, under a rule introduced by former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett.
Effigies of four long-time leaders already stand outside Melbourne ‘s State Government Office.
Mr Andrews would join John Cain (1982-1990), Rupert Hamer (1972-1981), Henry Bolte (1955-1972) and Albert Dunstan (1935-1945) to have his likeness reproduced at 1 Treasury Place.
The process of installing one of Mr Andrews is under way, however it is unclear how much it will cost or its possible location.
A government spokesperson confirmed the Department of Premier and Cabinet has provided a brief to government over the statue but did not reveal further information.
The artist behind the previous four statues, Peter Corlett, has estimated the average cost of the pieces to be about $100,000.
However, opposition finance spokesperson Jess Wilson hit back at the decision to immortalise Mr Andrews in a statue.
‘As Victoria buckles under a cost-of-living crisis, a failing health system and surging crime, Premier Allan’s priority is to erect a statue for Daniel Andrews instead of delivering relief for Victorian taxpayers,’ she said.
A divisive leader, he garnered unwavering loyalty and admiration from some and derision from others over his nine years in the role.
He won three consecutive state elections and came to national prominence when he oversaw one of the world’s longest lockdowns in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Late in his term, Mr Andrews cancelled the 2026 Commonwealth Games which were due to be held in regional Victoria, claiming expected costs had almost doubled to at least $6 billion.
A petition for current premier Jacinta Allan to cancel the plans for the statue has already been signed by more than 300 people in less than a day.
‘The proposal to honour Daniel Andrews with a statue is a deeply troubling decision,’ the petition read.
‘As the former Premier of Victoria, Andrews left behind a legacy marred by scandal, authoritarian policies, a broken health public system and human rights abuses.
‘Andrews’ leadership saw some of the most restrictive lockdowns globally, leading to widespread economic and social devastation.’
