Tuesday, 9 December 2025

 Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women) (14:29): Today I want to express my deepest thanks to frontline family violence and sexual violence workers who show up every day, often in the hardest moments of someone’s life, holding space for safety, dignity and hope. I want to speak to something that sits at the heart of their work and the work of so many in this chamber here on this side: a fairer Victoria, and that is respect. As we near the end of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, this year’s focus on ending digital violence is a powerful reminder about why respect must sit at the centre of prevention.

I have experienced online abuse in recent weeks, and I want to thank those who sent messages of solidarity. But what it has shown me is how disrespect online harms women and girls. It silences their voices, it undermines confidence and it pushes them out of public life. We know culture does not shift on words alone, but through respect in action. Respect Victoria has led this work with clarity, showing us that prevention means challenging unhealthy stereotypes early, raising boys like Rex, who knows that strength can be gentle, or raising girls like Tilly, who knows their voice carries weight, and building a society where equality and respect are expected and not exceptional.

This commitment extends beyond prevention. This year Victoria has shown respect in action through the passing of treaty and the Premier’s apology today in this house. These are not symbolic gestures; they are acts of truth-telling, accountability and genuine respect. Respect is not the soft part of leadership; it is the absolute substance of it. I have been proud to serve in this government, which has shown respect through action, reform and fairness. Thank you for showing me again and again what respect can build.