MELBOURNE — Victorian minister Luba Grigorovitch has apologized and announced she will no longer write character references after it was revealed she provided them for individuals with histories of serious offenses, including domestic violence and indecent assault. Grigorovitch confirmed she provided around 33 character references since becoming the member for Koroit in late 2022 and now regrets six of them.

Grigorovitch wrote a character reference for Muhammad Isa, a former taxi driver convicted in 2013 of indecently assaulting female passengers. In her reference, she wrote that she had known him for “several years” and could “confidently attest to his character, integrity, and contribution to the Australian community.” The Administrative Review Tribunal noted Isa conceded Grigorovitch was “unaware of his past offending” when she wrote the reference. The tribunal later rejected Isa’s appeal, citing “serious past crimes, implausible current narrative, and continuing lack of insight and acceptance of responsibility.”

Grigorovitch also provided a 2024 character reference for a 38-year-old Pakistani citizen, identified only as CYNW, who was seeking a partner visa despite a history of domestic violence. She confirmed reports about her references but declined to disclose details of the other four she now regrets, citing privacy concerns.

“At the time I provided these references, I was not aware of their history. I will no longer provide character references and I apologise for any offence I have caused,” Grigorovitch said in a statement. She added, “I realise that this was a mistake. I’ve now acted on this mistake. I’m sorry and it won’t happen again.”

Grigorovitch acknowledged her office had no formal vetting process for character references. “My process is not good enough, and that is why I’ve come here today and I’ve apologised and said that I should not have provided a character reference,” she said. She emphasized she knew the individuals through their roles as “volunteers within the community” and was unaware they were union-affiliated, though they “might be Labor members.”

Opposition figures criticized her actions. Shadow attorney general James Newbury said the revelations were further proof Grigorovitch was “not fit to be a minister” and added, “If this government had any integrity, she would be sacked.” Greens leader Ellen Sandell said, “It is a matter of common sense and good judgment that you should not be providing character references to people that you don’t know,” noting she had written only one in her 12 years as an MP—for someone she knows personally.

Grigorovitch, who was elevated to cabinet by Premier Jacinta Allan in April as minister for youth, carers and volunteers, stated unequivocally: “Going forward, I will not be providing character references. Full stop.”