Tuesday, 18 February 2025

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:22): (800) My question is for the Minister for Police, and I will direct it towards Mr Erdogan. Alarming reports emerged earlier this year that more than 680 police officers have been investigated by Victoria Police’s sexual offences and family violence unit between January 2019 and June 2024. This unit investigates allegations made against Victoria Police employees relating to family violence, sexual offences, serious sexual harassment or predatory behaviour. The number of investigations was described by former chief commissioner Shane Patton as ‘a significant concern’. Disturbingly, the majority of those investigated were uniformed police officers. Given the importance of the sexual offences and family violence unit, what will the minister do to ensure they are sufficiently resourced to stamp out this abhorrent behaviour?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:23): I thank Ms Payne for asking a question on what is a really important issue in our community. I will pass that on to the police minister in the Assembly, and I am sure that he will respond in accordance with the standing orders.

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:24): I thank the minister for referring that on. By way of supplementary, according to the Engage Victoria website, the systemic review of police oversight is still conducting stakeholder consultation. As I raised last year, this review is much needed to address the many shortcomings of internal investigations by Victoria Police. It is important that units like Victoria Police’s sexual offences and family violence unit have the public’s trust when they conduct thorough and meaningful investigations, yet it has been over two years since this review began, with no end in sight. So I ask: will the minister commit to reforming police oversight as a matter of urgency?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice) (12:24): I thank Ms Payne for that supplementary question. I think police oversight is an issue that was raised with a number of justice ministers before. I might preface by saying some of that falls under the Attorney-General’s remit, but I will forward it on to the police minister, who I am sure will be able to provide a response.