Controversial Daniel Andrews statue that would have cost taxpayers $134,000 is cancelled
Victoria has cancelled plans for a taxpayer-funded bronze statue of former premier Daniel Andrews, estimated to cost $134,000. Premier Ben Carroll said the automatic commissioning policy for long-serving premiers no longer reflected community expectations about public spending, ending a proposal that had drawn political and public opposition.
The statue had been planned for Treasury Place in Melbourne under a policy applying to premiers who served more than 3,000 days; Andrews served nine years before resigning in September 2023. A poll cited in the article found 74 per cent opposed proceeding, while 19 per cent supported it. Carroll’s government will also review how Victoria honours prominent figures through state funerals and memorial services, including their scale and cost.
- Victoria cancels Daniel Andrews’ proposed $134,000 statue.
- Premier Carroll cites public spending and community expectations.
- The government will review memorial and state funeral protocols.
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Daniel Andrews was Victoria’s Labor premier from 2014 until he resigned in September 2023. As premier, he led the state government through events including the Covid-19 pandemic and a number of major transport and infrastructure projects.
Victoria had a policy of commissioning statues for premiers who served more than 3,000 days in office. The proposed bronze statue was intended for Treasury Place in central Melbourne, an area associated with state government institutions.
Public memorials for political leaders can involve questions about cost, tradition and who should be recognised. The debate has also prompted wider consideration of how Victoria marks the lives and public service of prominent figures.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of proceeding could argue that a consistent, non-partisan rule recognising exceptionally long service is a legitimate way to mark Victoria’s political history. Andrews led the state for nine years through consequential periods, and a statue need not imply universal approval of every decision; it can acknowledge the significance of a democratically elected premier’s tenure. Retaining the commission would also respect an established standard rather than allowing contemporary hostility towards an individual to determine commemoration.
The case against
Supporters of cancellation could argue that automatic taxpayer-funded monuments are outdated and poorly suited to a leader whose record remains strongly contested. In a period of pressure on household and public finances, spending $134,000 on a statue may reasonably be seen as failing to meet public priorities, particularly given substantial recorded opposition. Replacing the automatic rule with an independent review could allow recognition to reflect wider public consent, historical perspective and proportionate cost.