Victorian Government Commissions $134k Statue for Ex-Premier Daniel Andrews

The Victorian government has confirmed plans to commission a statue of former Premier Daniel Andrews, with a total cost of $134,304. This initiative aligns with a longstanding policy established by the Kennett government, which mandates that premiers serving more than 3,000 days in office be honored with a statue along Treasury Place in Melbourne. Andrews, who resigned in 2023, is recognized as Victoria's longest-serving Labor premier and the fourth-longest-serving premier overall. A government spokesperson highlighted his leadership during challenging periods and his advocacy for working people. The Fitzroy-based firm Meridian Sculpture, known for creating statues of previous premiers such as Henry Bolte and John Cain Jr., has been selected to craft the likeness. Installation details are yet to be announced. Andrews first entered parliament in 2002, held various ministerial roles, and led the Labor Party to victory in three consecutive state elections after becoming leader in 2010. The statue will join existing monuments in Melbourne's CBD, continuing the tradition of commemorating significant political figures in the state's history.