Who Is Dan Andrews? Former Victorian Premier attends China military parade

Daniel Michael Andrews, commonly known as Dan Andrews, was born on 6 July 1972 in Williamstown, Victoria, Australia. He grew up in Wangaratta, a regional town in northeast Victoria, before moving to Melbourne. Andrews studied politics and classics at Monash University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. His passion for politics and public service began during his student years, where he was actively involved in student organizations.

Political Career and Rise in Victorian Labor

Dan Andrews joined the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in the early 1990s and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 2002, representing the seat of Mulgrave. Over the years, he served in various ministerial roles, including Health Minister, before becoming leader of the Victorian Labor Party in 2010.

In December 2014, Andrews was elected as the 48th Premier of Victoria, ending four years of Liberal government. He went on to serve three consecutive terms, leading Labor to victories in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Key Achievements as Premier

During his time as premier, Andrews was known for:

• Major infrastructure projects, including public transport expansions and level crossing removals.

• Reforms in healthcare and education.

• Strong but often controversial measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned him both praise for strict management and criticism for extended lockdowns.

He resigned in September 2023, citing the personal toll of public life after nearly a decade as premier.

Post-Politics Career

After leaving parliament, Andrews entered the private sector. In 2024, he established two companies, Glencairn Street Pty Ltd and Wedgetail Partners Pty Ltd. That same year, he was appointed Chair of the Board at Orygen, a leading youth mental health organization. His move reflected a shift toward advocacy and corporate consultancy.

Beijing Parade Controversy

In September 2025, Andrews attracted criticism for his presence at a military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Photos circulated by Russian state media showed him standing just rows behind Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Critics, including opposition leader Sussan Ley, argued that his attendance sent the wrong message, calling it “a parade for dictators.”

Supporters, however, including current Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, defended Andrews, saying his presence reflected the strong relationship Victoria maintains with China. Andrews’ appearance was said to be in a private capacity, though political observers noted it would likely spark long-term debate.

Personal Life

Dan Andrews is married to Catherine Andrews, and the couple has three children. Known for keeping his family life relatively private, Andrews has often spoken about the importance of balancing politics with family commitments.

Legacy

Dan Andrews remains one of the most influential figures in Victorian politics. While his leadership was polarizing—particularly during the pandemic—his long tenure and policy achievements made him a defining figure of modern Labor leadership in Australia.

Today, his career continues in business and advocacy, though recent controversies highlight the ongoing challenges of navigating global politics even after leaving public office.