Daniel Andrews to be Honored with Bronze Statue Amid Controversy

In a move that has generated a spectrum of reactions, it has been confirmed that Daniel Andrews, the former Premier of Victoria, will soon be commemorated with a bronze statue. This decision has prompted both admiration and criticism, with some referring to him as “Dictator Dan” during his tenure marked by prolonged lockdowns in Melbourne.

Discussions are underway regarding the location for the statue in Melbourne. While some speculate it might join the ranks of other former premiers such as John Cain Jr, Rupert Hamer, Henry Bolte, and Albert Dunstan at Treasury Place, the precise location remains undisclosed. Additionally, there is no official statement about the cost of the statue, although renowned sculptor Peter Corlett suggested that the project could require a six-figure sum from taxpayers.

Daniel Andrews, who served over 3000 days in office, is eligible for the statue under a policy initiated by a previous premier, Jeff Kennett. Ironically, Andrews achieved the milestone Kennett never reached, largely due to the extensive lockdowns for which he was both praised and criticized.

The announcement has fueled a debate about its appropriateness, with opposition finance spokeswoman Jess Wilson questioning the timing given the state’s economic challenges. She remarked, “It’s nice that Andrews gets a bronze monument while the rest of us are busy paying for it.” Her comment highlights the broader public discontent over Victoria’s rising living costs and struggling health system.

Some voices are advocating for the statue to honor a prominent female Victorian instead, highlighting a gender representation issue. Daniels is expected to be depicted wearing his signature North Face jacket, a symbolic garment from his frequent pandemic briefings. For many residents, this attire is emblematic of his lockdown announcements.

The families affected by the controversial pandemic measures, notably the hotel quarantine breach, have expressed their discontent. Frank Micallef, who lost both his parents during the pandemic, expressed his frustration, stating that the statue is “a painful reminder of the 768 lives lost.”

Regardless of public sentiment, Daniel Andrews is set to become a permanent figure in Melbourne’s landscape, echoing the omnipresence he had during his tenure.