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Victorian Minister Stops Providing Character References After Admitting Six Were Inappropriate

An apology followed media reports that exposed inadequate vetting for several references.

Overview

  • Reporting by major outlets identified specific cases that prompted scrutiny, including a taxi driver later denied citizenship and a partner-visa applicant convicted of domestic violence.
  • Grigorovitch said she now regrets six of about 33 references she gave since being elected in 2022 and acknowledged her checks were not strong enough.
  • She announced she will no longer provide character references and issued a public apology for any offence caused by her endorsements.
  • The Administrative Review Tribunal recorded that the taxi driver’s citizenship was denied and that Grigorovitch had told officials she was unaware of his past offending.
  • Grigorovitch’s prior union role and recent elevation to Cabinet have intensified attention on ministerial judgment and the need for clear vetting rules for MPs who assist constituents.