Controversial plans for a Daniel Andrews sculpture officially scrapped by Victorian government
The Victorian government has pulled the plug on a commissioned bronze likeness of former premier Daniel Andrews, a move that has sparked debate over public art and fiscal prudence.
The statue, part of a policy dating back to 1999 that automatically honoured long‑serving premiers with monuments on Treasury Place, had already entered the workshop in May, with Meridian Sculpture tasked to produce the work after a standard tender.
Premier Ben Carroll announced the cancellation and set up an independent bipartisan panel to review how the state commemorates officials, emphasizing that gratitude does not have to be expressed through taxpayer‑funded monuments.
Critics, especially from the Liberal opposition, seized on the $134,000 price tag as evidence of wasteful spending, while the panel will now consider alternative subjects and locations for the commissioned piece.
The decision reflects a broader reassessment of public memorials, balancing artistic legacy with accountability, and leaves the future of Victoria’s premier statues in limbo.