Billionaire James Packer has publicly condemned former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, asserting that Andrews nearly “ruined” his life. In an interview with Rampart, Packer expressed his disdain for Andrews, stating, “I think Daniel Andrews not only ruined Victoria, he almost ruined my life.” This criticism follows Packer’s sale of his stake in Crown Resorts in 2022, a deal overshadowed by Andrews’ controversial tax changes.
Packer’s ire stems from a change in tax rates just weeks before the sale of Crown Resorts to Blackstone, which occurred for $8.9 billion. He claims that the modification stripped $50 million from Crown without any compensation, creating significant concerns over the financial stability of the deal. “It’s a miracle that Blackstone didn’t activate the material adverse change clause. I thought that was appalling behaviour,” Packer remarked.
Former Allies Turned Adversaries
The relationship between Packer and Andrews has deteriorated dramatically over the years. Once seen as allies, the two men even played golf together, with Packer previously praising Andrews as “great for Victoria.” Now, Packer’s feelings have shifted drastically. “I couldn’t speak more lowly of Daniel Andrews,” he said, harshly labeling him as “human filth.”
Packer’s comments come after Andrews resigned as Premier of Victoria in September 2023, handing leadership to Jacinta Allan amid declining public support. Packer is currently recovering at his estate in Argentina after a cardiac arrest in October, but he indicated a desire to confront Andrews directly, stating, “I’m looking forward to seeing Daniel Andrews in person and speaking far more aggressively than I am.”
Impact on Victoria’s Economy
Packer’s critique underscores broader concerns about Andrews’ legacy in Victoria, particularly regarding the state’s financial health. He claims that Andrews’ policies have left a lasting negative impact on the state’s balance sheet, stating, “What he’s done to the balance sheet of Victoria is impossible to fix.”
As Packer continues his recovery, the public fallout from his comments raises questions about the future of political relationships in Victoria. The tensions between these two prominent figures highlight the contentious political landscape in the aftermath of the pandemic, during which Andrews faced significant scrutiny for his leadership style, earning him the nickname “Dictator Dan.”
With both Packer and Andrews unlikely to cross paths in the immediate future, the ramifications of this public feud are likely to resonate within both business and political circles in Victoria.
