Bronze statue of divisive ex-Victorian premier in works

DANIEL ANDREWS
Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews will be immortalised with a bronze statue. -AAP Image

A statue of divisive former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews is in the works one year after he resigned from the state's top job.

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.

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.

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.

Mr Kennett introduced the statue policy to honour premiers for their longevity but fell short of the mark himself when he was ejected from office at the "unlosable" 1999 election.

This week marks one year since Mr Andrews resigned as premier and was replaced by his deputy, Jacinta Allan.

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.

He was acknowledged in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours List in part for championing Victoria's ambitious infrastructure development, including the Metro Tunnel, North East Link and dozens of level crossing removals.

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