Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews continues to draw attention for his ongoing involvement in political and business affairs following his departure from office, amid scrutiny stemming from the findings of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s (IBAC) Operation Richmond report.
The 116-page IBAC review outlines a pattern in Andrews’ leadership style characterized by bypassing established processes, disregarding ethical considerations, and prioritizing immediate political advantage. The report highlights systemic issues within the Andrews government’s management during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing a deliberate structuring of responsibilities to prevent accountability. Notably, IBAC was unable to establish corrupt conduct in its investigation, as the commission’s mandate confines corruption findings to actions that meet criminal definitions. Furthermore, the inquiry into a 2016 pay-and-conditions deal negotiated with the United Firefighters Union, and subsequent handling of Fire Rescue Victoria, was kept confidential for eight years.
Since stepping down as premier, Andrews has positioned himself as a consultant facilitating relations between Australia and China, capitalizing on long-standing ties with Victoria’s Chinese community. He notably signed a heads of agreement for Victoria to participate in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, a move ultimately blocked by the Australian federal government. In September 2025, Andrews attended a high-profile military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War. At the event, he was photographed greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and standing alongside several global figures including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
More recently, Andrews appeared at a fundraising dinner in Sydney hosted by Felix Lee, son of billionaire Phillip Dong Fang Lee. Phillip Lee was previously subject to an Australian Taxation Office investigation in 2021 regarding $273 million in alleged unpaid taxes, with assets frozen prior to a settlement reached in 2022. A 2022 inquiry into Star Casino revealed that Phillip Lee had transacted $2.2 billion through the establishment, although no wrongdoing was found. While Andrews’ consultancy reportedly is not employed by the Lee family’s company, the details of his work as a China advisor remain largely undisclosed.
Corporate filings reveal Andrews holds a controlling stake in a company named after the Melbourne street in Mulgrave where he resides. This entity, which owns 90 percent of a related firm called Wedgetail Partners Pty Ltd—operating under the name Forty Eight & Partners—does not maintain a public website, listed phone number, or email contact, and is not registered on the federal lobbying register.
Although Andrews is entitled to pursue business ventures post-politics, the operational methods detailed in the Operation Richmond report have prompted calls for increased oversight. Observers argue that any involvement leveraging his established connections with Beijing, particularly in dealings that may intersect with Australian government interests, warrants close examination.