Opposition to the Victorian government’s decision to honour former Premier Daniel Andrews with a bronze statue has now turned into a full-fledged campaign.
The campaign, started by Jackson Moon, whose X profile describes him as a political student, has already garnered support from over 6,500 Victorians. The movement demands the immediate cancellation of the planned statue, citing a “waste of taxpayers’ money” as one of the main reasons.
“We, the undersigned, call on the Victorian Labor government and Premier Jacinta Allan to immediately cancel the planned statue of former Premier Daniel Andrews. The statue, tipped to cost over $100,000 of taxpayer money, is an insult to the many Victorians still grappling with the consequences of his leadership,” the petition reads.
Last week, news of Andrews’s immortalisation with a statue outside government offices near Treasury Gardens in central Melbourne stirred political circles. The honour is reserved for premiers who have served over 3,000 days in office, a rule introduced by former Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the Department of Premier and Cabinet has been tasked with preparing a brief for the statue, but no further details have been disclosed.
Finance spokesperson for Liberal, Jess Wilson MP, voiced concerns, stating, “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.”
Sept. 26 marked a significant milestone for Andrews, who resigned on the same date in 2022, with Allan succeeding him as premier.
The petition’s creator argues that Andrews’ legacy is one of controversy, authoritarianism, and policy failures, making him unworthy of such an honour.
Citing widespread public distrust, the petition highlights the damaging effects of Andrews’ leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw Victoria enforce some of the world’s strictest lockdowns.
These policies, the petition claims, contributed to over 800 deaths, significant job losses, and long-term mental health issues for many Victorians.
In addition to public outrage, the petition points to a series of scandals that tainted Andrews’ tenure.
These include the state’s record-breaking debt, budget blowouts, a deteriorating public health system, shortages of teachers and police, and the high-profile cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which embarrassed the state internationally.
Andrews’ Legacy
During his nearly nine years in office, Andrews launched numerous initiatives that reshaped Victoria, most notably through the ambitious “Big Build” infrastructure projects. These included the development of the Metro Tunnel, the North East Link, and the removal of dozens of level crossings, all aimed at improving the state’s transport system and boosting economic growth.He also introduced laws that made the state one of the most socially progressive in the country, including significant reforms in rental laws, legalised medicinal cannabis, and decriminalised sex work.
Further, the Andrews’ government launched safe injection rooms and established exclusion zones for protests outside abortion clinics.
His administration also prioritised Indigenous Australian treaties and compensation reforms for victims of institutional child sexual abuse.
In recognition of his efforts, Andrews was acknowledged in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List, reflecting his influence on Victoria’s infrastructure development and commitment to public welfare.
However, this move was similarly met with a wave of backlash and criticism.
