Thursday, 5 March 2026

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:46): My question is for the Minister for Community Safety. Sarah Gibbs was assaulted by a man as she hiked in Daylesford on 27 January this year. While sitting down, a man sat next to her, placed his hand on her thigh, touched her hair and grabbed her hand and held it to his face. He then stood up next to her and swayed into her body so heavily she felt he was about to push her into the bush. Authorities did not take a statement from Sarah and later said no offence had been detected. Police have since said another investigation is underway, and I note a man has been charged. However, Daylesford locals feel so let down by police that a private Facebook group has been set up for women to share information about how to protect themselves in the area. What is being done to ensure police complaints in regional areas like Daylesford and other parts of Northern Victoria are being taken seriously?