Latest news with #DanielAndrews'
Sky News AU
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘Inappropriate': Liberal MP Moira Deeming tables petition to block bronze statue of former Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews
A petition tabled by Liberal MP Moira Deeming to block the 'inappropriate' bronze statue honouring former Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has received 12,644 signatures. 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 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.
The Age
28-06-2025
- Climate
- The Age
One fish, two fish, 35,000 fish: Rainbow trout released for school holiday anglers
They wiggled and squirmed as thousands of them splashed their way to freedom. Big white buckets full of rainbow trout were hauled into Karkarook Park Lake in Melbourne's south-east on Saturday by keen fishermen and women. Two thousand of the fish species found their new home in Heatherton's icy lake. They are among 35,000 fish being added to 70 lakes across Victoria, with the aim of getting kids off their screens and into the great outdoors during the school holidays. The ready-to-catch rainbow trout – which are ideal for beginner anglers and can be caught with lures cast from the shore – are part of the $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan. Victoria stocks more fish than any other state or territory. Steve Dimopoulos, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, said the fish were being distributed in time for the school holidays. 'We are saying come to your local waterway, you don't need an expensive boat, you just need a rod,' he said. 'You'll catch a fish in Victoria more than anywhere else in Australia.' The release follows on from former premier Daniel Andrews' 2022 pledge of $1.5 million over four years to give 95,000 free fishing rods to year 5 students, and all students at specialist schools. That program had varying levels of success: while some were excited to take up fishing, the ABC reported a number of students tried to re-sell the rods online.
Sydney Morning Herald
28-06-2025
- Climate
- Sydney Morning Herald
One fish, two fish, 35,000 fish: Rainbow trout released for school holiday anglers
They wiggled and squirmed as thousands of them splashed their way to freedom. Big white buckets full of rainbow trout were hauled into Karkarook Park Lake in Melbourne's south-east on Saturday by keen fishermen and women. Two thousand of the fish species found their new home in Heatherton's icy lake. They are among 35,000 fish being added to 70 lakes across Victoria, with the aim of getting kids off their screens and into the great outdoors during the school holidays. The ready-to-catch rainbow trout – which are ideal for beginner anglers and can be caught with lures cast from the shore – are part of the $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan. Victoria stocks more fish than any other state or territory. Steve Dimopoulos, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, said the fish were being distributed in time for the school holidays. 'We are saying come to your local waterway, you don't need an expensive boat, you just need a rod,' he said. 'You'll catch a fish in Victoria more than anywhere else in Australia.' The release follows on from former premier Daniel Andrews' 2022 pledge of $1.5 million over four years to give 95,000 free fishing rods to year 5 students, and all students at specialist schools. That program had varying levels of success: while some were excited to take up fishing, the ABC reported a number of students tried to re-sell the rods online.
Mercury
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Mercury
Daniel Andrews snubbed by Victorian golf clubs
Sky News host James Macpherson discusses Daniel Andrews' inability to obtain a membership at Victorian golf courses. 'Well, Dan Andrews has been out of politics for a while and just wants to enjoy his life playing golf, but increasingly he's finding there's not a course in the state of Victoria that will have him,' Mr Macpherson said. 'Dan Andrew's should be grateful that restaurants, gymnasiums, bars and shops don't follow suit in the state of Victoria.'
