The Victorian government has officially scrapped plans for a controversial statue of former Labor premier Daniel Andrews, a project that had drawn heavy criticism for its $134,000 price tag.
Premier Ben Carroll announced the cancellation on Saturday, ending a policy introduced by the Kennett government in 1999 that automatically recognised long-serving premiers with a statue on Treasury Place. Work on the Andrews statue had begun in May, commemorating his more than 3,000 days in office.
New independent panel to review commemorations
Carroll has appointed an independent panel to review how Victoria honours former officials with statues and state services. The panel, described as "independent and bipartisan," will make recommendations on future state funerals and memorial services. He directed that all work on the Andrews statue cease immediately.
"We are grateful to former premiers for their service. But gratitude does not require a taxpayer-funded statue," Carroll said. "I respect your money. That means being careful and deliberate about how government spends it."
Contract continues with alternative subject
The statue contract itself will not be cancelled. Instead, the panel will choose an alternative subject and location for the commissioned work, ensuring the funds already allocated are redirected rather than wasted.
The $134,000 cost of the planned Andrews statue had become a flashpoint for the Liberal opposition. Opposition leader Jess Wilson vowed on 30 July: "If we come to government we will not allow that statue to proceed." She added in a social media post: "Victorians are fed up with Labor's waste - that's why it's time for a Government that treats your money with respect."
Background of the long-serving premier policy
The policy was introduced by then-premier Jeff Kennett on the cusp of the 1999 state election. Kennett himself never reached the milestone of 3,000 days in office. Andrews, who served as premier from 4 December 2014 to 27 September 2023, was the fifth Victorian premier to qualify for the honour.
In May, the government confirmed Meridian Sculpture, the company behind statues of the other four qualifying premiers, had been selected through a standard procurement process. At the time, a government spokesperson defended the project: "Daniel Andrews led Victoria through some of its toughest moments and never stopped fighting for working people. Under a policy introduced by the Kennett government, Victorian premiers who serve more than 3,000 days in office are recognised with a statue along Treasury Place in honour of their service to the state."
The cancellation marks a shift in how the state approaches official commemorations, with the new panel set to redefine the criteria for future honours.
