August 31st, 2026RECOGNISING FORMER PUBLIC OFFICIALS RESPECTFULLY

The state government says it is right that Victoria recognises the service of former senior public officials with dignity and respect.

It is also right that governments are careful with taxpayers’ money while doing it.

State funerals and memorial services mark important moments in Victoria’s history.

Their significance comes, in part, from the fact they are reserved for exceptional circumstances.

Because taxpayers meet the cost, clear and consistent protocols should apply.

The independent panel will make recommendations about the appropriate frequency, scale, arrangements and costs of these services.

Statues commemorating former public officials

A policy automatically recognising long-serving Victorian Premiers with a statue on Treasury Place was introduced in 1999 by then-Premier Jeff Kennett.

We respect the service of former Premiers.

But an automatic taxpayer-funded statue is no longer consistent with community expectations about how governments should spend money.

Premier Ben Carroll is ending the Kennett statue policy.

He has also directed that work on the statue of Victoria’s 48th Premier Dan Andrews cease.

The existing contract will not be cancelled, avoiding unnecessary costs to taxpayers.

Instead, the independent panel will recommend an alternative subject and location for the commissioned work.