New family violence minister

NATALIE Hutchins has been named Victoria’s Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence, filling the void after Fiona Richardson’s death.

Ms Hutchins will retain the industrial relations and Aboriginal affairs portfolios and is already a member of the State Government’s family violence cabinet committee.

Premier Daniel Andrews said there was “no one better” to continue Ms Richardson’s fight.

“She will honour the legacy of the late Fiona Richardson by helping implement every recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence,” Mr Andrews said.

Ms Hutchins’s local government portfolio will go to Marlene Kairouz.

Ms Richardson died last month, aged 50, after a battle with cancer.