By LIAM DURKIN
THE woman at the centre of John Pesutto’s defamation saga now seemingly has another former state leader in her sights.
Liberal MP, Moira Deeming, who last year won a $2.3 million lawsuit against then Liberal leader and Traralgon-born, Mr Pesutto, has tabled a petition in Parliament to scrap plans to unveil a bronze statue of former Premier, Daniel Andrews.
Mr Andrews resigned from politics in September 2023 after nine years as Victorian Premier.
He is entitled to a statue, having served a minimum 3000 days (more than eight years) in the top job.
Ms Deeming’s petition however questions the merits of recognising the at times divisive ex-premier.
“Public monuments should be reserved for individuals whose legacies have been tested over time and are broadly regarded as unifying,” part of the petition reads.
“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.”
Despite being the longest-serving Labor Premier in the state, Mr Andrews faced no shortage of opposition in the safe Nationals territory of Gippsland.
His legacy was tarnished in this region due to a number of controversial decisions, such as the cessation of native timber harvesting, the botched electric vehicle factory in Morwell, and the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which was to have events in the Latrobe Valley.
Mr Andrews announced a return of the State Electricity Commission as part of an election promise, although it was later revealed there was only a single SEC employee working in the Morwell office.
Mr Andrews also faced tough criticism from rank-and-file voters for hardly ever getting out on the road and visiting regional towns past Traralgon.
This is not the first Andrews honour to attract backlash.
He was awarded a King’s Birthday honour last year, prompting former Liberal Premier, Jeff Kennett to write to the Governor General to have the accolade rescinded.
Somewhat ironically, Mr Kennett introduced the ‘3000 days’ rule while he was in office.
Mr Andrews has remained largely absent from public life since his resignation, and did not even take to social media to acknowledge his King’s Birthday Honour last year.
The latest petition has already attracted more than 12,000 signatures.
“The petitioners 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, as commemorating a living and divisive political figure whose legacy remains subject to scrutiny breaks with long-standing convention,” another extract read.
A ministerial response is due by August 28, 2025.
