‘Inappropriate': Liberal MP Moira Deeming tables petition to block bronze statue of former Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews
The petition was presented on Tuesday and calls for the plans to commission a statue for the former Premier, described in the petition as a "divisive political figure", to be cancelled.
A response is due on August 28.
The petition says that it is 'inappropriate to erect statues of living politicians' and insists public monuments should be reserved only for those whose legacies have been 'tested over time' and considered 'unifying'.
'There remains unresolved allegations regarding Daniel Andrews' management and handling of human rights during the state's pandemic response, lockdowns, and use of enforcement powers. These issues should be fully resolved before any public honour is considered,' the petition says.
The petition said the former Premier was also the subject of ongoing 'public concern' over a traffic incident relating to the serious injury of a teenager in 2013. Mr Andrews has denied any wrongdoing in relation to the incident and has always maintained his car was 'T-boned' by the teenaged cyclist.
'Questions persist regarding Daniel Andrews' actions, including delays in reporting the incident and concerns about a possible political cover-up, raising serious doubts about accountability in public office,' it said.
'Spending taxpayer money on a political monument, particularly for a figure whose legacy remains contested, is inappropriate during a time of economic hardship and community division.'
Speaking to SkyNews.com.au, Ms Deeming said she was "honoured" to bring the petition and would never deny her constituents the tabling of it - "that's democracy".
The Liberal MP said commissioning the statue with taxpayer's money risks 'deepening distrust' with the public, and undermining confidence that the government was prioritising the needs of Victorians.
"I suspect the cost of repairs and graffiti removal in the first six months alone, will be enough to lose us our AA Credit Rating," Ms Deeming said.
The petition statement concluded: "The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to cancel any plans to commission or install a statue of former Premier the Hon. Daniel Andrews, particularly if any form of public funds or private funding is to be used."
"Commemorating a living and divisive political figure whose legacy remains subject to scrutiny breaks with long-standing convention."
If the statue is erected, Mr Andrews will become the fifth Victorian premier to receive be honoured in bronze and will stand beside John Cain Jr, Rupert Hamer, Henry Bolte and Albert Dunstan.
Premier Jacinta Allen declined to comment on the petition, including the cost and location of the statue.
'Former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett introduced a policy to install statues of former Victorian premiers who serve 3000 days or more in office, in recognition of their long service to Victoria,' she said.
'I am advised that the process of installing a statue of Former Premier Daniel Andrews, who served over 3000 days in office, is under way.'
As the petition received more than 10,000 votes, parliamentary standing orders will allow a debate on the matter.
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