Tuesday, 29 July 2025

 Moira DEEMING (Western Metropolitan) presented a petition bearing 12,644 signatures:

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 cancel this proposal as it is inappropriate 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 unresolved allegations regarding Daniel Andrews’ management and handling of human rights during the state’s pandemic response, lockdowns, and use of enforcement powers. These issues should be fully resolved before any public honour is considered.

Further, a traffic incident, relating to the serious injury of a teenager in 2013, remains the subject of public concern. Questions persist regarding Daniel Andrews’ actions, including delays in reporting the incident and concerns about a possible political cover-up, raising serious doubts about accountability in public office. Spending taxpayer money on a political monument, particularly for a figure whose legacy remains contested, is inappropriate during a time of economic hardship and community division. Doing so risks deepening distrust and undermining public confidence in government priorities.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to cancel 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 divisive political figure whose legacy remains subject to scrutiny breaks with long-standing convention.

Moira DEEMING: As this is a petition qualifying for debate under standing order 11.03(10), I give notice that I intend to move ‘That the petition be taken into consideration’ on Wednesday of next sitting week.