Plans for Daniel Andrews Statue Scrapped by Victorian Government

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has officially cancelled plans to erect a statue of former Premier Daniel Andrews. The announcement comes as Carroll appointed a panel to select a new subject for the sculpture, which was originally intended to commemorate Andrews' tenure of over 3,000 days in office.

The statue, which was estimated to cost around $134,000, faced criticism, particularly from the Liberal opposition. Concerns included the expense and the appropriateness of memorializing a figure who had become a contentious figure in Victorian politics.

The decision to scrap the statue aligns with a broader context of changing political sentiments and priorities within the state government. The proposal to honor Andrews, who served as premier from 2014 until 2022, had been put forth as part of a 1999 policy designed to recognize the contributions of long-serving state leaders.

Work on the statue had commenced in May, highlighting the shift in plans since that time. The project had aimed to celebrate Andrews' long-standing service in office, a tenure marked by significant events in Victorian history.

The cancellation signifies a move away from the original plan and reflects the current government's stance on acknowledging previous leadership within Victoria. The panel's recommendations for a new subject will likely shape future commemorative efforts.