The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has questioned whether the Minister for Youth, Luba Grigorovitch, can credibly implement Victoria’s Youth Strategy given her past public support for men convicted of offences against women.
During Question Time in Parliament, Ms Benham challenged the Minister over her commitment to the Strategy, which sets out the Government’s aim of increasing young people’s understanding of consent, their rights, and the different forms of family and sexual violence.
Ms Benham questioned the Minister’s credibility in delivering those objectives, citing her past public support for men convicted of offences against women, including providing a character reference for a taxi driver convicted of indecently assaulting female passengers.
“The Victorian Youth Strategy is built around educating young people about consent, respect and violence prevention,” Ms Benham said.
“Those in leadership positions are expected to uphold the same standards they are asking young Victorians to learn and live by.”
Concerns have previously been raised about the Government’s broader approach to supporting young women, including questions surrounding Women in Construction programs and allegations that teenage girls and young women participating in government-supported initiatives were exposed to unsafe environments involving violent offenders, alleged criminal activity and strippers on Big Build worksites.
Ms Benham said these Ms Benham said these issues raised broader questions about the Government’s oversight of programs involving young women and girls, and the judgement being exercised by those responsible for them.
“The Minister’s responsibilities extend beyond youth policy, and as Shadow Minister for Carers and Volunteers I will continue to hold her accountable for the decisions she makes and the standards she sets.
“If the Government is serious about tackling family violence and promoting respectful relationships, those values must be reflected in the conduct and judgement of its ministers.”
