Dan Andrews, Labor's longest-serving Victorian leader and symbol of lockdowns, is explored in this episode. The podcast delves into his ability to write his own narrative and win elections. They discuss his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, progressive achievements, controversies, and his legacy as a political figure.
Dan Andrews' leadership was marked by his unapologetic public persona and deliberate dismissal of the media, making him both admired and despised.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dan Andrews faced intense polarization from the public as some saw him as a savior while others viewed him as a dictator, intensifying the love-hate relationship with the Victorian public.
Deep dives
Dan Andrews' controversial leadership style
Dan Andrews' leadership style was characterized by his blunt and unapologetic public persona. He never backed down or apologized for his decisions, which made him both admired and despised. Additionally, Andrews deliberately ignored and dismissed much of the state's media, which further polarized public opinion. His secretive nature and the tight control he exerted over his image and narrative made it difficult for biographers and critics to fully understand him.
The polarization during the COVID era
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown in Victoria, Dan Andrews faced intense polarization from the public. Some saw him as a savior figure, praising his strict measures and considering him a diligent leader making difficult decisions. Others viewed him as a dictator, criticizing the length and severity of the lockdown and expressing their discontent through protests and harsh media coverage. The long duration of the lockdown and the high visibility of Andrews in the daily press conferences further intensified the love-hate relationship the Victorian public had with their premier.
Andrews' successes, challenges, and legacy
Dan Andrews achieved considerable progressive policy reforms during his tenure as the Premier of Victoria. Notable achievements include the removal of level rail crossings, the beginning of a treaty process with First Australians, and the passage of assisted dying legislation. However, Andrews' leadership faced criticism for instances of centralization of power, politicization of the public service, and controversial decisions during the COVID-19 response, such as the hotel quarantine leak and the lockdown of public housing towers. Despite these challenges, Andrews remained popular and successfully won three consecutive elections, leaving behind a mixed and consequential legacy.
Dan Andrews was a premier like no other. As Labor’s longest-serving Victorian leader he provoked outrage, conspiracies and adoration beyond his state’s borders.
Andrews became a symbol for lockdowns across Australia, but within Victoria he had an unusual ability to write his own narrative and win elections.
Today, associate editor of The Saturday Paper Martin Mckenzie-Murray on the duality of Dan and what made him into a controversial, but extremely popular leader.