Politicians from both sides have lined up to offer an opinion on the controversial decision to award former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), with one of his predecessors calling the gong “a joke”.
The award, presented as part of the King’s Birthday Honors list and one of Australia’s highest awards, was given to Mr Andrews for his “eminent service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, to public health, to political and regulatory reform, and infrastructure development.’
The former prime minister remains a controversial figure after overseeing one of the world’s longest lockdowns in Melbourne during the Covid-19 period, a failed hotel quarantine program that led to skyrocketing infection rates and long, costly delays. in infrastructure projects.
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett described Mr Andrews’ AC as “a joke” and called on the Governor-General to rescind the award.
He pointed to Andrews’ controversial leadership on Covid and the state’s $156.2 billion debt, which is expected to rise to $187.8 billion by 2027-28.
Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia for “eminent service to the people and Parliament of Victoria, to public health, to political and regulatory reform, and to infrastructure development “.
Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett (pictured) believes Andrews’ AC is “a joke” and has called on the Governor-General to rescind the award.
“So now we are giving the highest civilian award to an individual who has failed, we are acknowledging failure and that is unacceptable,” he said. Sky News Australia.
‘I have asked the Governor General to rescind this honour. I would also like to see how this award was given, made and considered.
‘I would like to know why (it happened) so quickly and if, in fact, there was political interference in him being awarded this award.
“That wouldn’t be surprising, because the hallmark of Daniel’s tenure was precisely that: political interference overloading the system.”
Victorian independent MP David Limbrick agreed with Kennett, highlighting Andrews’ infamous mismanagement of the Commonwealth Games.
“We had a situation where before the election there was a promise of a Commonwealth Games, then after the election, of course, ‘Oh wow, now it’s too expensive, oh and by the way, it cost 580 million of dollars,’ that just arrived.” wasted,’ she said.
Former Labor senator Stephen Conroy also led News from heaven but when asked about Mr Andrews’ award, he defended the state’s longest-serving premier.
Conroy told Andrews’ critics to “suck it up.”
“The Sydney media bubble, frankly, are idiots – you don’t know anything about Melbourne, so go back to your box,” he said.
‘No one cares about your views in all of Australia. This kind of pathetic and pathetic attack on the awards secretariat is simply mind boggling.
“Jeff (Kennett), that was just a pathetic, stupid spit.”
Former Labor senator Stephen Conroy (pictured) said of Mr Andrews’ critics: “The Sydney media bubble, frankly, are idiots, they don’t know anything about Melbourne, so go back to your box.”
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie summed up the feelings of many Australians by describing Andrews’ recognition as “bizarre”.
“It always seems strange to me that as politicians they pay us an absurd amount of money and you want to give us awards.” Senator Lambie told Nine’s Today programme.
‘I mean, seriously, there are a lot of people who do great things, but they don’t have a lot of money, and they are doing great things in their own community. I don’t understand why they keep giving awards to politicians.
‘It really bothers me, I have to be honest with you. We get paid to do the work for you. We shouldn’t get awards on top of this.
‘It’s not for them. It’s for people in the community who are doing the right thing, and many of those people in the community who help others are not burdened with money.
“They do it out of the goodness of their hearts, and that’s the way it should be done.”
Former Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan also received an AC, despite also being known for his tough Covid-era policies.
Former MP Craig Kelly shared his views on X alongside several of Mr Andrews’ critics.
“At first I thought it was a bad joke, but both Dan Andrews and former WA Premier Mark McGowan received an AC for ‘Covid Leadership’ in the King’s Birthday Honours. They should both be in prison serving time “, he claimed.
Another commenter posted: “Dan Andrews has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honors for being the most authoritarian human rights abuser in Australian history.”
A third wrote: “Today we celebrate the iron fist leadership of Dan Andrews and Mark McGowan with the Companion of the Order of Australia.
‘Under his reign, ruthless zero Covid benchmarks were set. The destruction of businesses, the economy and the erosion of freedoms were glorious sacrifices.’
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie (pictured) summed up the feelings of many Australians by describing Andrews’ recognition as “bizarre”.
However, others applauded Mr Andrews for keeping Victorians “safe” during the pandemic.
‘Well deserved recognition for Prime Minister Dan Andrews in the King’s Birthday Honours! His dedication and strength in guiding Victoria through the most difficult times of the last century,” one wrote.
‘Congratulations Dan Andrews on the honor of your King’s birthday for your brilliant work during the Covid pandemic. “We were all very lucky to have you as our Prime Minister,” said another.
Former 3AW broadcaster and commentator Neil Mitchell said he was “not happy” with the “bizarre” call and believes it was “rushed”.
“Daniel was a divisive leader,” Mitchell told Sunrise.
‘He will receive this award in part for his work in public health. He has destroyed the public health system. He had old ladies kicked out of parks during Covid days.
‘(There are) many questions about it. It is a quick procedure.
Mitchell added that Mr Andrews’ praise was a snub to people negatively affected by his government’s “ring of steel” policy during Covid.
‘I can’t help but think of these people affected by those lockdowns, especially small businesses. How would you feel right now?
Ben Fordham of Sydney’s 2GB also took aim at the controversial political awardees.
“Former premiers are being recognized for their service to public health and the people of their state, but the decision has gone down like a lead balloon,” Fordham said.
‘People cannot forget the pain they caused during the pandemic. Andrews imposed the longest confinement in the world.
‘The Victorians were trapped inside for 262 days. Meanwhile, Mark McGowan closed Western Australia’s border for almost two years.
‘Families were separated by important milestones. Births, deaths and marriages were lost.
While Andrews was criticized for his tough lockdown restrictions, he remains the longest-serving Labor premier in Victoria’s history and won three state elections for the ALP.
Andrews, who will step down from his role in September 2023, said “it’s time.”
“Recently, talking to my children and Cath (his wife), thoughts started to arise about what life will be like after this job,” he said.
“I’ve always known that the moment that happens, it’s time to go and give this privilege, this incredible responsibility to someone else.”
Former Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan (pictured) also received an AC, despite also being known for his tough Covid-era policies.
At the time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to his old friend, calling him “a man of great conviction, enormous compassion and a fierce determination to make a difference”.
“Daniel Andrews has never been one to shirk his responsibilities,” he said.
‘He stood up for himself every day during the pandemic, he stood up for doing what he believed was absolutely right – keeping Victorian safe.
“Don’t make easy decisions, make difficult decisions.”
After politics, Andrews moved into the private sector and is working with mining billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest through his consultancy Forty Eight and Partners.