Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 14, 2024 8:01 pm GMT
Plans to erect a bronze statue of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews have ignited a fierce backlash, reflecting deep-seated anger over his government’s controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the debate rages, many Victorians question the appropriateness of spending public funds on such a monument during a time of economic strain.
Controversial Decision Amid Declining Public Sentiment
The Victorian government’s decision to honour Andrews with a statue estimated to cost over $100,000 is stirring up controversy. Many citizens remember the harsh lockdown measures that saw Melbourne under strict restrictions for a record 262 days, leading to widespread frustration and economic hardship.
- Public Backlash: Critics have taken to social media, expressing disbelief that the state would celebrate a premier many view as responsible for significant distress during the pandemic.
- Political Response: The opposition has condemned the spending, particularly in light of high living costs and deteriorating public services. Shadow Finance Minister Jess Wilson said, “As Victoria buckles under a cost-of-living crisis, a failing health system and surging crime, Premier Allan’s priority is to erect a statue for Daniel Andrews instead of delivering relief for Victorian taxpayers.”
The Legacy of Daniel Andrews
Daniel Andrews, who served as premier for nearly nine years, is the fifth Victorian premier to receive a statue. Current plans do not specify where the statue will be placed, but it will likely join those of former premiers at Treasury Place, a tradition initiated by former Premier Jeff Kennett.
The other premiers with statues include:
- John Cain Jr. – 3,047 days (1982-1990)
- Rupert Hamer – 3,209 days (1972-1981)
- Henry Bolte – 6,288 days (1955-1972)
- Albert Dunstan – 3,924 days over two terms (1935-1945)
Kennett’s policy to erect a statue for any premier serving over 3,000 days in office has created a unique blend of commemoration and controversy. However, Andrews himself has downplayed the significance of this milestone, saying there is “no magic” to it.
Public Sentiment and Reactions
The response to the statue announcement has been overwhelmingly negative among the public. Many feel it is inappropriate to honour Andrews while so many families are struggling. Social media comments have encapsulated this sentiment:
- “This cannot be serious? The most despised politician bankrupted the state and let the CFMEU [Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union] rort taxpayers senseless.”
- One user even suggested that the statue should be locked away, mirroring the restrictions Andrews enforced on pandemic-hit residents: “Lock his statue inside a house and don’t let it leave like he did to his people.”
Despite the wave of disapproval, not everyone is against the statue. Some view it as a form of “karma” aimed at the Liberal Party for creating the statue tradition in the first place.
The Cost of Living Crisis
Victoria’s current economic challenges contribute to the uproar surrounding the statue. Citizens are grappling with increasing living costs and the pressure on health services. Critics are questioning government priorities, especially when funds could be channelled into improving public welfare rather than commemorating controversial figures.
A History of Commemoration
The tradition of erecting statues for Victorian premiers dates back to the mid-1990s under Kennett’s government. Since then, the statues of previous premiers have become points of interest but also a canvas for public sentiment.
As plans move forward for Andrews’ statue, many wonder whether it will be a target of vandalism, as the public’s dissatisfaction grows. The sentiment echoes among those who see it as a reminder of the pandemic policies that altered their lives significantly.
The Future of the Statue
As the debate continues, the Victorian government remains tight-lipped about the statue’s location and budget, adding to public discontent. Whether or not the proposed sculptural tribute will proceed as planned remains uncertain amidst ongoing discussions regarding its appropriateness and funding.
Victorians are left contemplating the broader implications of memorializing a figure so polarizing and the potential messages sent by such actions during times of hardship. Will the statue stand as a testament to resilience and survival, or will it become a controversial symbol associated with a painful chapter in the state’s history? Only time will tell as the conversation unfolds and community sentiments are voiced.
Keep an eye out for news about how people feel about the Daniel Andrews statue and what happens next. This story is still changing!
