Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's quiet backflip on biological males in women's prisons is proof that sustained pressure from Family First and women's rights advocates is finally forcing the government to listen.
Just a fortnight ago, Ms Allan flatly refused to intervene after it was revealed that a convicted male paedophile, known by the pseudonym Hilary Maloney, was serving his sentence in the Dame Phyllis Frost women's prison. Maloney's five-year-old daughter was the victim of his appalling crimes, which included producing 13 videos and 64 images involving sexual acts with the little girl.
Yet despite this horror, and despite the fact Maloney was born male, he was placed in a women's facility after declaring a female identity — a move that rightly sparked outrage among women's groups and common-sense Victorians.
"This was an atrocious decision that put vulnerable women in danger," said Mr Finn. "The Premier initially refused to act, but now, after relentless pressure, her Corrections Minister has ordered a policy update to give greater weight to the safety of female prisoners. That's a major concession."
Ms Foreman agreed: "It's only a small step, but it's significant. Just days ago, the Premier said she had 'no announcements to make'. Now she's been forced to rethink. That shows that pressure from Family First and women's groups is working."
However, both candidates warned that neither Premier Allan nor Liberal Leader Brad Battin have gone far enough.
"Mr Battin's claim that men should be allowed in women's prisons as long as they're not sex offenders shows he still doesn't get it," Ms Foreman said. "Women's safety shouldn't depend on what crimes a man has committed. The answer is simple: no men in women's prisons, full stop."
Family First says both major parties have a long way to go before they truly protect women's rights and biological reality.
"At the next election, Family First will stand candidates in every electorate," Ms Foreman said. "Every one of our candidates knows what a woman is — something Mr Battin and the Premier still seem confused about."
"Victorian women deserve leaders with courage and clarity," Mr Finn added. "This backflip shows we're making progress, but the fight for truth and safety is far from over."
