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FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER AND TREASURER

DATE: Thursday, December 9, 1999


VICTORIA’S LONGEST SERVING PREMIERS HONOURED

The Premier, Mr Steve Bracks today unveiled sculptures of Victoria’s four longest serving Premiers.

Mr Bracks said the life-sized sculptures, by renowned sculptor Peter Corlett, recognised the outstanding contribution to public life of those four Premier’s who had served Victoria for more than 3,000 days.

The four former Premiers honoured are:

Sir Albert Dunstan, 1935-1943 and 1943-1945
Sir Henry Bolte, 1955-1972
Sir Rupert Hamer, 1972-1981, and
Mr John Cain, 1982-1990

“The four former Premiers cross the political spectrum, representing the former Country Party, the Liberal Party and the Labor Party,” Mr Bracks said.

“These statues honour the commitment ,dedication, achievement and great personal sacrifice of each of these men who so ably served the State of Victoria from their widely different political standpoints.

“Despite our array of political views, each Victorian Premier has something in common – and that is a deep commitment to serving the State of Victoria with dedication, loyalty and passion.

“The four Premiers we are honouring today left their own indelible mark on the State, and an enduring legacy for each new Premier to live up to.”

Mr Bracks said the sculptures were a significant addition to the Treasury Reserve and he paid tribute to their creator, Peter Corlett.

“We are very lucky to have secured the services of one of Victoria’s most talented living artists to create the sculptures,” he said.