$134,000 statue for controversial Victorian leader slammed as tone deaf

Businesses and politicians have slammed a plan to erect a statue of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.

Businesses and politicians have slammed a plan to erect a statue of former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.

The Victorian government confirmed the bronze statue is set to cost taxpayers more than $134,000 to be designed and built in Melbourne's Treasury Square.

Jim's Mowing founder, Jim Penman, who was a vocal critic of Daniel Andrews during the COVID lockdowns, said it is ridiculous to erect a statue to him.

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An artist rendering of the proposed Daniel Andrew's statue.

Penman called Andrew's the most disastrous premier in the state's history.

Australian Restaurant and Cafe Chief Executive Wes Lambert said hospitality venues are still suffering from the effects of the COVID lockdowns, believing that the statue is not a good fiscal move.

Jeff Kennett, a former premier for the Liberal Party, started this policy of putting up statues for former premiers who spent 3000 days in office, but even he is not thrilled with the idea of the statue.

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Daniel Andrews late in his reign as Victoria's premier.

Kennett said it is not compulsory and called it a "waste of money".

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has defended the move, calling Andrew's a "fantastic premier".

"We're just following the policy put in place by the previous premier, Jeff Kennett."

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said that the Labor government was taking out the trash, noting the announcement would not "pass the pub test".

It is yet to be confirmed when the statue will be constructed.

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