James Packer, Daniel Andrews: Billionaire rages at former Victorian Premier, labels him ‘human filth’

Billionaire former casino tycoon James Packer has delivered an extraordinary lashing of controversial ex-Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, saying the Labor leader almost “ruined” his life.

Mr Packer, who sold his stake in Crown Resorts in 2022, said Mr Andrews, who earned the name ‘Dictator Dan’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, is “human filth”.

“Daniel Andrews is about my least favourite person in the world. I think Daniel Andrews not only ruined Victoria, he almost ruined my life,” Mr Packer told Rampart.

“With three weeks to go (before the sale of Crown to Blackstone) f...ing Daniel Andrews changes the tax rates on Crown and rips 50 million out of Crown and gives no compensation.

“It’s a miracle that Blackstone didn’t activate the material adverse change clause. I thought that was appalling behaviour.”

The sale of Crown Resorts went through in 2022, with Blackstone paying $8.9 billion for the group.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Daniel Andrews in person and speaking far more aggressively than I am.”

“What he’s done to the balance sheet of Victoria is impossible to fix.”

Mr Packer was once friendly with Mr Andrews. The two previously golfed together, and Mr Packer once stated Mr Andrews was “great for Victoria”. However, the friendship now appears irreconcilable.

“I couldn’t speak more lowly of Daniel Andrews,” Mr Packer said.

“I think he’s human filth … I hope he sues me.”

Mr Andrews resigned as Victoria Premier in 2023, handing over the reins to embattled Jacinta Allan on September 27.

Since then, Ms Allan has struggled to retain the support the controversial Mr Andrews held during his eight years and nine months as premier.

Mr Andrews and Mr Packer are unlikely to bump into each other this week after the billionaire’s public lashing. Mr Packer is currently staying at his Argentina estate, recovering after a cardiac arrest episode in October.