Bronze statue of divisive ex-Victorian premier in works

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.

da

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store