Victorian Election 2022: Daniel Andrews’ victory earns right to be immortalised with statue

It was an honour Jeff Kennett may have thought would be his ... but instead, Daniel Andrews is set to benefit from the former Lib premier’s tribute.

Premier Daniel Andrews and wife Catherine Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Daniel Andrews will qualify to be immortalised with a bronze statue early in 2023 when he marks his 3000th day as Premier of Victoria.

Election night is Mr Andrews’ 2914th day in power and with Labor poised for victory, the premier will reach the historic milestone in February.

Labor’s win will literally put Mr Andrews on a pedestal under an honour system – introduced by former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett – to recognise premiers who have served 3000 days in office.

In 1999, as Mr Kennett was storming towards what everyone expected would be a third election victory, he announced the historic tribute. 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.

Mr Kennett was closing in on being the fifth statue, but Victorians voted him out after 2571 days in office.

Until Mr Andrews’ dominance, Mr Bracks (who won election in 1999, 2002 and 2006) was the only modern-day premier who came close to qualifying for a statue. But in 2007, just 159 days short, he retired.