Wednesday, 3 June 2026

 Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (14:27): My question is to the Minister for Youth. Victoria’s youth strategy says young Victorians should live free from harm and abuse, understand the different forms of family violence and build healthy and respectful relationships. John Setka pleaded guilty to harassing his wife and breaching a family violence order and has an extensive criminal history. The minister then publicly backed him and recently said she has ‘no regrets whatsoever’ about her friendship with him. How can the minister credibly implement that strategy when she stood by John Setka, a man she called her ‘brother’?

Anthony Carbines: On a point of order, Speaker, merely referencing a strategy in a minister’s portfolio and then asking a question totally unrelated to the portfolio is not in order.

Danny O’Brien: On the point of order, Speaker, it was very clear what the strategy contains, including harm and abuse –

The SPEAKER: Order! What is your point of order?

Danny O’Brien: I am responding to his point of order.

The SPEAKER: But what is your point of order in response?

Danny O’Brien: That it was completely relevant, Speaker.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. That is all you needed to say, Leader of the Nationals. I invite the minister to respond as it relates to her portfolio.

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit – Minister for Youth, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:28): I thank the member for her question. I will first of all say that the youth strategy is one that this side of the table is very proud of, and I am proud that the Allan Labor government has invested $33 million in youth in this budget. What I will tell you, though, is that I refer to my previous answer, and the only reason that youth would be under pressure would be the threat from Liberal cuts from that side of the table.

 Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (14:29): Given the minister has previously vouched for John Setka, will she now provide a character reference for Mick Gatto too, given his role as a standover man for her brother John Setka?

The SPEAKER: The member for Mildura will need to rephrase her question so it relates to government business.

Jade BENHAM: Given that Victoria’s youth strategy says young Victorians should live free from harm and abuse, understand the different forms of family violence and build healthy and respectful relationships, does the minister have a healthy enough relationship with Mick Gatto to write him a character reference too?

Anthony Carbines: I renew my earlier point of order, Speaker, in relation to relevance.

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

 Luba GRIGOROVITCH (Kororoit – Minister for Youth, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (14:30): I will say this: I am focused on one thing, and that is delivering for young people, volunteers and carers.