State will long bear brunt of Andrews’ flawed regime

Outsiders are probably still puzzled by the electoral success of Labor under Daniel Andrews in Victoria.

Andrews and his government not only redefined the Victorian political system but also the way Melbourne, in particular, was viewed by locals and visitors.

Labor cobbled together a unique voting bloc: key multicultural groups, unions, business interests, sporting fanatics, leftist brigadistas and younger voters defined by identity politics. Labor presented Victoria as modern, forward thinking, a place of opportunities and a key global player under the combative leadership style of Andrews.

This government repackaged the concept of borrowing from the future to enjoy the present: vouchers ad nauseam, free concerts, cultural events, the flawed Suburban Rail Loop and, more recently, the Commonwealth Games fiasco, all promising jobs and entertainment.

Underpinning this vision was the promotion of a unique form of parochialism: Melbourne as the world’s most liveable city. Enough Victorians dared to dream. Never mind the scandals and spin, namely the forays into foreign policy; the ongoing investigations; the lack of accountability; the arrogance on steroids; the cancelled/over-budget projects; and the projected debt of $226bn (and rising) by 2026.

This was a government that entertained enough locals on a daily basis to win about 55 per cent of voters at the three elections.

Spare a thought for the rest of us, and the future generations, who will bear the brunt of this flawed postmodern political experiment.

Glenn Marchant, Pascoe Vale, Vic

The Australian’s sober editorial and summary of Daniel Andrews leaving behind a state that is woke, broke and tainted by corruption and cover-ups should shake Victorians to their core (“Andrews, skilled politician with lamentable legacy”, 27/9). But that seems unlikely.

It seems Victorians are content to live in a fool’s paradise. It is almost as if the state is separate from the rest of the country. It resembles a people’s republic, a one-party state. The sad reality is that its economic wretchedness will extend beyond its borders and affect every Australian.

By extension, Andrews’ debt is our debt. His irresponsible use of public funds for the sake of power has not only left Victoria poorer but also the nation.

That is his legacy.

Kim Keogh, East Fremantle, WA

It’s usually not the done thing to criticise the voters but boy did Victorians get it wrong with Daniel Andrews (“Ruthless cynic ‘one of our worst premiers’ ”, 27/9). They will be paying for their mistake for decades to come. Hopefully other states do not have to help bail out Victoria for their financial mismanagement.

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

Many will be rubbing their hands at the departure of Victorian premier Daniel Andrews (“Daniel Andrews cult over but debt left behind”, 27/9) and while Andrews may have been misguided – some would say totally wrong – in many instances he had a couple of good traits from which all politicians should learn.

First, he stood up for what he believed in and he was able to take the people with him. Remember he won three elections. Second, he was resolute and strong. He had the courage of his convictions. And, third, he was rock solid in his decision-making and wasn’t afraid.

Personally, I’m glad he’s gone. But his replacement will have a big pair of shoes to fill whichever way you look at it.

As for the Victorian opposition, all I can say is sort yourselves out and give the people of Victoria something credible to vote for in three years.

John George, Terrigal, NSW

There’s something wrong when multiple levels of government, plus a huge bureaucracy – supposedly enforcing a multitude of laws concerning governance, integrity, safety and compliance – that Daniel Andrews can just wander off into the taxpayer-funded sunset, without being properly held to account for the massive Covid-19 overreach he perpetrated on the people of Victoria.

He is gone, but he won’t be forgotten.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW