Statue of Dan Andrews under scrutiny due to allegations of a 'potential concealment' causing controversy
Controversy Surrounds Proposed Statue for Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews
A debate is currently underway in the Victorian Parliament regarding the proposed creation of a bronze statue for former Premier Daniel Andrews. The issue has been brought to the forefront by a parliamentary petition tabled by Liberal MP Moira Deeming, which has garnered 12,644 signatures [1][2][3].
The main argument against the statue is its perceived inappropriateness at a time when political and public controversies surrounding Andrews' tenure remain unresolved. Critics, including Deeming, argue that the statue's erection is premature and politically motivated, disregarding ongoing criticisms of Andrews' leadership.
One of the key issues raised by the petition is the handling of the Covid pandemic. During Andrews' tenure, Melbourne was in lockdown for a record-breaking 245 days, the longest in Australia and large parts of the world. The petition also points to a bungled hotel quarantine scheme by the Andrews Government, which has been linked to the deaths of 768 people [2].
Furthermore, there are unresolved allegations regarding Andrews' management and handling of human rights during the state's pandemic response, lockdowns, and use of enforcement powers [1]. Questions persist regarding Andrews' actions, including delays in reporting a car crash he was involved in with a teenage cyclist in 2013 and concerns about a possible political cover-up [1].
After resigning in late 2023, Andrews took on a new role at Orygen, a mental health organization [1]. He is set to join four existing statues of Victorian premiers who served more than 3,000 days in office [1]. The policy for installing statues of premiers who serve this length of time was introduced by former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett [1].
The cost and location of Andrews' statue are currently undisclosed [1]. The decision about these matters is said to be up to Andrews' successor [1]. However, the petition requests that the Legislative Council call on the government to cancel any plans to commission or install a statue of former Premier Daniel Andrews [1].
In summary, the debate in Victoria’s Parliament is active, with a formal parliamentary petition to cancel the statue representing the key vehicle of opposition, primarily arguing against the appropriateness and timing of the installation [1][2][3]. The petition urges the government to reconsider the proposal in light of the ongoing controversies surrounding Andrews' tenure.
[1] The Age, "Petition to cancel Daniel Andrews statue gathers momentum", July 30, 2025. [2] The Sydney Morning Herald, "Opposition to Daniel Andrews statue grows", July 30, 2025. [3] The Australian, "Calls to cancel Daniel Andrews statue", July 30, 2025.
The ongoing debate in the Victorian Parliament about Daniel Andrews' proposed statue raises concerns over its appropriateness, given the unresolved controversies related to his tenure, particularly in health policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news, such as the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, human rights allegations, and government scandals. This controversy has led to a formal petition to cancel any plans for creating the statue, citing ongoing public criticism and the premature nature of such a move.