Victorian taxpayers will pay more than $134,000 [1] to fund a bronze statue of former Premier Daniel Andrews.

The expenditure has sparked a political debate over the use of public funds to immortalize former leaders. While the government views the monument as a tribute to longevity, critics describe the cost as a wasteful burden on the public.

The statue is scheduled to be placed outside government offices in Melbourne [1]. According to government tradition, bronze statues are commissioned for premiers who have served more than 3,000 days in office [2]. The project aims to honor the tenure of Andrews, who met this threshold during his time as the state's leader.

Opponents of the project have labeled the expenditure a political disaster. Adam Creighton said the statue would serve as a permanent reminder of the previous administration's failures.

"I actually hope the statue goes ahead … because it’s going to be a reminder and it’s going to be in the press all the time of just what a disaster that government was," Creighton said.

Creighton said the monument is a negative development for the current administration in Victoria. He said, "I think it’s bad for the incumbent government in Victoria to have this statue."

The selection of the artist has already been finalized as the state moves forward with the installation [2]. The project remains a point of contention among taxpayers who question the necessity of the $134,000 [1] price tag for a commemorative bronze figure.

“Victorian taxpayers will pay more than $134,000 to fund a bronze statue of former Premier Daniel Andrews.”

The controversy reflects a broader tension between institutional traditions of honoring long-term political service and modern public scrutiny regarding government spending. By adhering to the 3,000-day rule, the Victorian government is maintaining a historical precedent, but the high cost of the monument provides a focal point for political opponents to criticize the legacy of the former premier.