Wednesday, 3 June 2026

 Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (14:15): My question is to the Minister for Youth. The minister has previously told this place that:

I am passionate about assisting domestic violence victims.

As the minister responsible for Victoria’s youth strategy, what message does it send to Victorian young women that she is even more passionate about assisting convicted sex and domestic violence offenders by giving them character references?

The SPEAKER: Some of the questions require the minister to respond and for an opinion, but I do ask the minister to respond as it relates to her portfolio.

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit – Minister for Youth, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:15): I again thank the member for Warrandyte for her question. We care about young people – men, women, all young people – the end. I will say, though, that every woman, young and old, has the right to feel safe in their home, in their community and in their workplace. In relation to the letters that you are referring to, as the local member I provided references to working people. My processes were not strong enough. I should not have done it and I take responsibility for it, responsibility that many of you have not taken.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Polwarth can leave the chamber for half an hour.

Member for Polwarth withdrew from chamber.

 Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (14:16): As the minister responsible for Victoria’s youth strategy, will the minister provide character references for every young woman harassed, intimidated, sexually exploited or forced to perform sex acts on Big Build sites, or does she reserve these for wife-beaters and sex offenders?

The SPEAKER: Again I ask the minister to respond as it relates to her portfolio.

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit – Minister for Youth, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:17): I thank the member for her question. I am focused on getting on with the job, and that is delivering for young people, for carers and for volunteers.