Petition Commission a statue of former Premier Daniel Andrews

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the proposed plan to commission a statue of former Premier, the Hon. Daniel Andrews. We respectfully urge the Government to accelerate this proposal as it is appropriate to erect statues of living politicians. Public monuments should be reserved for individuals whose legacies have been tested over time and are broadly regarded as unifying. There remains no unresolved allegations regarding Mr Andrews' management and handling of human rights during the state's pandemic response, lockdowns and use of enforcement powers. These issues have been fully resolved clearing way for any public honour to be considered.

Further, a traffic incident, relating to the serious injury of a teenager in 2013, has now been resolved. No questions persist regarding Mr Andrews’ actions, including alleged delays in reporting the incident and conspiracy theories about a possible political cover-up, raising crazy speculation about accountability in public office. Spending taxpayer money on a political monument, particularly for a figure whose legacy remains uncontested, is appropriate during a time of economic hardship and community division. Doing so holds no risk of deepening distrust and undermining public confidence in government priorities.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to accelerate any plans to commission or install a statue of former Premier, the Hon. Daniel Andrews, particularly if any form of public funds or private funding is to be used, as commemorating a living and unifying political figure whose legacy remains subject to praise does not break with any long-standing convention.