Controversial plans for a Daniel Andrews sculpture officially scrapped by Victorian government
News Source
β’Fri, 28 Aug 2026 23:47:37 GMT
π° What Happened
Victoria's government has cancelled plans for a statue of former Labor premier Daniel Andrews. Work began in May on the $134,000 statue, which honoured Andrews' more than 3,000 days in office. Premier Ben Carroll announced on Saturday that the statue will not go ahead. He also ended the 1999 policy that allowed it and set up an independent panel to review how Victoria commemorates officials.
Carroll said gratitude does not require a taxpayer-funded statue. The plans had been heavily criticised by the Liberal opposition.
π The Backstory
The 1999 policy, created under premier Jeff Kennett, automatically recognised long-serving Victorian premiers with statues and state services. It had sat unused for years until work on the Andrews statue began.
Statues of politicians are often controversial, and this one drew strong criticism over its cost and timing. The new independent panel will decide how Victoria honours officials in future. The decision ends what had become a political flashpoint.
π― Why It Matters
It is about how taxpayer money is spent and who gets honoured in public spaces. Monuments shape how history is remembered. This decision may change how Victoria honours its leaders for years to come.
Victoria's government has cancelled plans for a statue of former Labor premier Daniel Andrews. Work began in May on the $134,000 statue, which honoured Andrews' more than 3,000 days in office. Premier Ben Carroll announced on Saturday that the statue will not go ahead. He also ended the 1999 policy that allowed it and set up an independent panel to review how Victoria commemorates officials.
Carroll said gratitude does not require a taxpayer-funded statue. The plans had been heavily criticised by the Liberal opposition.
The 1999 policy, created under premier Jeff Kennett, automatically recognised long-serving Victorian premiers with statues and state services. It had sat unused for years until work on the Andrews statue began.
Statues of politicians are often controversial, and this one drew strong criticism over its cost and timing. The new independent panel will decide how Victoria honours officials in future. The decision ends what had become a political flashpoint.
It is about how taxpayer money is spent and who gets honoured in public spaces. Monuments shape how history is remembered. This decision may change how Victoria honours its leaders for years to come.