Premier hits back at new MP’s transgender comment

A new MP has prompted a state premier to quash her views on “radical” gender issues as something he has no interest in hearing.

Daniel Andrews has hit back at a new MP’s inaugural speech which took aim at sex workers and transgender Victorians’ “extreme” attempts at gaining equality.

Western Metropolitan member Moira Deeming called for an inquiry into transition practices within the state during her maiden address on Tuesday.

However, less than 24 hours later the Premier said he had no interest hearing what Ms Deeming had to say.

“I didn’t hear her speech, I’m almost certain I won’t read it and almost equally certain that the member of parliament would love nothing more than me to be talking about her on the backdoor of parliament to try and push forward and propagate an agenda,” he said.

Mr Andrews went on to say Ms Deeming’s stance wasn’t an “example of the best of” Victorians.

“You know, we are an inclusive, harmonious, respectful place where equality is not negotiable and that’s always been my view; it’s always been our policy,” he said.

Premier Daniel Andrews took aim at a new Victorian MP. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Ms Deeming’s speech took aim at inclusive measures including trans women in female-only change rooms and called on the government to reinstate sex-based rights in the law.

She also went on to say “what most women would consider to be sexual harassment and indecent exposure is now legal in Victoria”.

“Surely there must be ways to ensure the safety and dignity of trans people which do not trample on the rights of women and girls,” she said.

Ms Deeming also took aim at efforts to widen Victoria’s laws on sex work, saying “human newborn babies and children up to 18 months of age are allowed on the premises” of brothels.

Ms Deeming was previously a teacher before leaving the profession over concerns the curriculum had been “radically altered”.

“Perfectly reasonable moral and religious differences were being reframed as discriminatory and intolerant, and a new vocabulary was introduced categorising people as allies or enemies,” she said.

Former high school teacher Moira Deeming is now a member of Victorian parliament. Picture: Sarah Matray

Greens leader Samantha Ratham was quick to double down on the criticism, saying Ms Deeming should be condemned by MPs across the political spectrum.

“They are some hateful and harmful words and comments that have a devastating impact on the lives of trans and gender diverse Victorians,” she said.

“Every MP in this parliament should be today calling out and denouncing these comments that were made yesterday.

“The Liberal party in its leadership should be out here explaining how they can harbour such views in their party and provide a platform for those views in the form of an MP elected to this parliament.”