Former Premier Jeff Kennett backs move for Dan Andrews’ statue – but says it should be cast in red
Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has backed the move to erect a Dan Andrews statue – but with one key difference to the other premiers cast in bronze.
Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has backed the move to erect a statue to Daniel Andrews – but the tribute should be cast in red to reflect the Labor leader’s debt legacy and political allegiance.
Mr Kennett, writing in the Herald Sun today, said Mr Andrews should be honoured with bronze statue to mark his almost nine years in office.
“Bring on his statue. Crafted in red for the debt he has left our grandchildren and red for his new found alliance,’’ Mr Kennett wrote.
In a damning column, the 1990s Liberal premier described Mr Andrews as selfish and self-centred.
Mr Andrews’ attendance last week at a military parade in Beijing prompted the criticism about his political loyalties. He was also photographed with Chinese president Xi Jinping, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and Russian president Vladimir Putin.
“Andrews in standing with Putin, who this week resumed bombing Kyiv in Ukraine, a democratic country, an ally which we are supporting. He should remember you are judged by the friends you keep!’’ Mr Kennett said.
The Liberal veteran himself introduced the plan in 1999 to create statues of premiers who served at least 3000 days in the state’s top job.
Four former leaders – Henry Bolte, John Cain Jr, Rupert Hamer and Albert Dunstan – are installed at Treasury Place.
Mr Kennett was in office for 2569 days. His successor Steve Bracks also fell short of the 3000-day mark.
Last month Upper House MP Moira Deeming submitted a 12,400-signature petition to the parliament calling for the Andrews statue to be cancelled.
OPINION, Page 19
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