Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Ministers statements: sexual offences

Ms SYMES (Northern Victoria—Leader of the Government, Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (11:47): It is a great honour to update the house on the government’s response to the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s (VLRC) landmark report into improving the justice system’s response to sexual offences. This report is sobering reading. The number of victims who never report what happened to them, the number of offenders who never have to account for their conduct and the way the system retraumatises those who do come forward are confronting, and we have committed to take action. This report represents a road map for government to make the system work better. We are getting on with the work of implementing the report. We already have been developing a 10-year whole-of-government strategy on sexual violence and sexual harm, which I will bring back to the public and to this chamber next year.

I was pleased to announce that we will be developing reforms to move Victoria to an affirmative consent model. This significant change will shift focus away from the conduct of the victim and ask what the perpetrator did to ensure the victim was consenting. We will also legislate to make it clear that the dangerous practice of stealthing—that is, removing a condom or other protective device during sex without consent—is a crime. These changes will form just one part of our work to transform the system into one that works coherently to support victims in seeking justice and reduce sexual harm in all its forms.

I want to thank the VLRC and chair Tony North, QC, for their comprehensive report, which is a monumental piece of work. I also want to express my gratitude to and respect for the survivors who contributed their experiences to the VLRC’s report and the many who have said that they want to work with us to implement this response. Your resilience in the face of trauma and your commitment to protecting those who come after you are truly remarkable. In the words of an amazing survivor, Geraldine Bilston:

We share our stories not because we want you to feel sorry for us but because we believe in a better future.