Former Geelong mayor and celebrity photographer Darryn Lyons has launched a fresh broadside against Victoria’s Labor Government, accusing Premier Jacinta Allan’s administration of economic mismanagement, excessive taxation and poor governance in a social media video posted from his home in Thailand.

Lyons, well known for his flamboyant public persona and distinctive pink mohawk hairstyle during his time in office, used the video to express sympathy for Victorians dealing with rising living costs and increasing taxes, while delivering a series of strongly worded criticisms of both the current Allan Government and the previous administration led by former premier Daniel Andrews.

Among his comments, Lyons described Premier Jacinta Allan as a “coward” and referred to members of the government using insulting language. He also alleged that Victoria had become “corrupt, chaotic” and “incompetent” under Labor. These remarks represent Lyons’ personal political opinions and have not been substantiated by any court or official finding.

Lyons argued that Victorians had faced growing financial pressure through measures including land tax increases and other government charges, saying many households, volunteers and small businesses were carrying an increasingly heavy burden.

He also blamed the former Andrews Government for what he described as long-term damage to Victoria’s finances and claimed the current administration had continued those policies.

“You’ve been taxed, squeezed and financially pillaged by a political machine that seems to have forgotten who it works for,” Lyons said in the video.

He further claimed Victoria’s growing debt burden would affect not only current taxpayers but future generations, arguing the state’s finances had been poorly managed over many years.

The comments were delivered as part of Lyons’ online series, in which he regularly shares opinions on current affairs and public policy.

While Lyons no longer lives in Australia, he remains a recognisable public figure because of his unusual career spanning celebrity photography, publishing, television appearances and local government.

Born in Geelong, Lyons built an international reputation during the 1980s and 1990s as a celebrity paparazzo based largely in London. Through his photography agency, he photographed numerous international celebrities and members of the British royal family, becoming one of the world’s best-known entertainment photographers.

His colourful public image eventually carried into politics.

In 2013, Lyons was elected mayor of the City of Greater Geelong after campaigning as an outspoken outsider promising to shake up local government.

His time in office attracted significant public attention because of his unconventional leadership style and willingness to publicly challenge political opponents.

However, his mayoralty was also marked by controversy.

In 2016, the Victorian Government dismissed the Geelong council following an independent investigation into allegations of widespread governance failures, including claims of bullying within the council.

Lyons was removed from office along with the other councillors when administrators were appointed to oversee the municipality.

Since leaving public office, Lyons has remained active on social media and frequently comments on Australian politics despite spending much of his time overseas.

His latest intervention comes at a politically challenging period for the Victorian Government.

The Allan Government has faced sustained criticism from opposition parties, business groups and some economists over Victoria’s growing debt, tax settings and budget pressures.

Victoria currently carries the largest gross debt of any Australian state, reflecting years of infrastructure investment, pandemic-related spending and continuing commitments to major transport and public infrastructure projects.

The government argues those investments are designed to support long-term economic growth while expanding hospitals, schools, roads and public transport.

Critics, however, contend that increasing debt levels and higher taxes have reduced business confidence and placed additional pressure on households already dealing with elevated living costs.

One of the most contentious issues has been land tax.

The Victorian Government introduced temporary land tax measures to help repay debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing the changes were necessary to restore the state’s fiscal position.

Property owners, developers and sections of the business community have argued the higher taxes have increased costs throughout the housing sector and discouraged investment.

Small business organisations have also expressed concerns about operating costs more broadly, citing wages, insurance, energy prices and taxation as continuing pressures.

The Allan Government has defended its broader economic strategy, maintaining that responsible investment in infrastructure and public services is essential to support a growing population while protecting frontline services.

Government ministers have also argued that Victoria continues to attract significant private investment and remains one of Australia’s largest state economies.

Lyons’ criticism reflects broader political debates taking place across Victoria rather than introducing entirely new issues.

Questions surrounding taxation, public debt, housing affordability, infrastructure delivery and government spending are expected to remain central topics in Victorian politics over the coming years.

Although Lyons is no longer directly involved in public office, his profile ensures that his comments continue attracting attention, particularly among voters familiar with his time as Geelong’s mayor and his earlier media career.

The former mayor has also experienced significant changes in his personal business interests in recent years.

In 2023, his company Big Australia entered liquidation, and in 2024 he auctioned hundreds of artworks and collectibles from his private collection while announcing plans to travel extensively around the world.

Those developments have coincided with his relocation to Thailand, from where he now regularly comments on Australian public affairs through online videos.

Whether Lyons’ latest remarks influence the broader political debate remains uncertain.

However, they illustrate the continuing intensity of public discussion surrounding Victoria’s economic direction, taxation policies and the performance of the state’s Labor Government as pressure over the cost of living and public finances continues.