Jeff Kennett’s call risks immortalising Victorian Premier Dan Andrews in bronze

If Victorian Premier Dan Andrews is re-elected, he qualifies for a permanent reminder of his reign – much to the horror of Jeff Kennett.

The four statues of Victoria's longest serving premiers outside Treasury House, Victoria. Dan Andrews may be in line to join them.

Dan Andrews immortalised in bronze, perhaps even clad in a North Face jacket. Imagine that!

For Dan haters, it’s enough to trigger nightmare memories of never-ending coronavirus press conferences and 260-plus days of lockdown. For the #Istandwithdan crowd, it’s an endless dream come true honouring a strong leader.

Whatever group you identify with, if (as expected) Mr Andrews wins November’s state poll he’ll not only secure a third term as premier but three months later will reach 3000 days in office, and qualify for a bronze statue.

And the man responsible for literally putting him on a pedestal will be none other than one of the Labor Premier’s greatest critics, Jeff Kennett.

“Everything is my fault. But (the statue) is another reason why it’s worth voting him out,” the former Liberal premier told The Weekend Australian.

“I’m not too perturbed about a statue recognising his reign as the emperor of Victoria because I am convinced there will be a change of government.”

In 1999, as Mr Kennett was storming towards what everyone (including him) thought would be a third election victory, he announced a historic tribute to Victorian premiers who had led the state for 3000 days or more.

Four former premiers qualified for the honour; Albert Dunstan (3834 days, 1935-45), Henry Bolte (6288 days, 1955-72), Rupert Hamer (3209 days, 1972-81) and John Cain Jr (3047, days 1982-90). Their statues stand directly outside the premier’s office at No. 1 Treasury Place.

“If there’s a Daniel statue, I think the other four will all jump off their pedestals and run,” Mr Kennett quipped.

“I think they will come to life so quickly and get out of the state quicker than they could fly.

“And the reason they will do that, regardless of each of their politics, is they all had the highest respect for the office they held and the democratic processes. And they would be horrified at what they have been witnessing over the past seven years.”

Mr Kennett was closing in on being the fifth statue, but Victorians had other ideas, and on October 20, 1999, after 2571 days in office – a year and a bit shy of the magic 3000 number – his time was up, with voters backing Labor ­leader Steve Bracks.

In the event of his election optimism being misplaced, Mr Kennett has some ideas as to how a sculptor might depict Mr Andrews in bronze.

“Daniel might even get Jeroen (Covid commander Weimar) to make the final decision as to how he should be portrayed,” Mr Kennett said.

“I think he would have to be wearing a mask. The mask has become his defining symbol, and he could also be wearing a red shirt.”

Until Mr Andrews’ dominance, Mr Bracks was the only modern-day premier who came close to qualifying for a statue. But in 2007, just 159 days short, he pulled the pin as premier.

And what of Mr Andrews? If he wins the November 26 election, it will be his 2914th day as premier. Will he unveil a statue of himself in February 2023 when he reaches 3000 days? “The Premier has given no thought to this at all,” a government spokesman said.