The Victorian Minister for Youth, Carers and Volunteers issued around 33 character references since 2022, including six to individuals with serious convictions like indecent assault and domestic violence, without any background checks.
She regretted the lapse after media inquiries revealed cases such as supporting a taxi driver’s failed citizenship bid and visa pleas from deportation-facing offenders.
Grigorovitch apologised, vowed to stop the practice, and is working to withdraw the inappropriate ones, while Premier Allan ordered all ministers to audit their references amid opposition calls for her resignation.
