Pesutto told SBS Amharic that he supported the government when it aligned with his principles but also took a stand when he felt the government needed to be held accountable.
“I have a vision for Victoria that addresses our current challenges and restores our state to a position of pride within the federation of Australia. This vision will make Victoria a great state again,” he said.
The Opposition leader said he was acutely aware that his party had to develop comprehensive policies, infrastructure projects, and social programs to bring his vision to life and persuade Victorians to support his aspiration of becoming premier.
In his view, Victoria's challenges were community safety, opportunity, housing, family and domestic violence and the state debt problem.
“More broadly, we have a debt problem in Victoria, which affects everyone, our listeners, and all Victorians. When debt is approaching $200 billion in Victoria, that translates into cuts. We have seen a cut in Victoria's health, education, road, and infrastructure. People are not getting their fair share in Victoria,” he said.
"If his party was elected to form the government, it would release land to help the new and emerging communities living in the suburbs," he said.
“What I mean by supply is opening places of land where the houses are built for particularly young families who want a home and raise a family. The lack of investment in these areas causes the housing crisis,” he said.
A call for public service
Pesutto said he wanted to see African Australians actively involved as main political actors from the city council to parliaments.
He said his call for their involvement was testament to his belief in inclusivity and diversity, making the audience feel included, valued, and an integral part of the political process.
“I want more African Australians to run for the office. I want them to be involved in the political process," he said.
“If you are listening and you care — I know you do — put your hand up and run for something you could be involved in. I hope many people will get involved in politics.”
Addressing family and domestic violence
Even though domestic and family violence affects children, women and men, women make up the majority of the victims.
One in four women frequently or often experience family and domestic violence (FDV), according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Institute statistics show in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, 40 per cent of women on temporary visas had experienced FDV, far higher than those who were Australian citizens (32 per cent) or permanent visa holders (28 per cent).
Even though the government supported commissioning the Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Opposition leader expressed concerns about the lack of results.
“(After) 10 years, women and children are not safer," Pesutto said.
"The number of domestic and family violence incidents continues to rise nearly 10 years after the Royal Commission into Family Violence was commissioned."
He mentioned fixing the problem of women and children having immediate access on the ground, adequately funding the justice system, and supervising perpetrators during their bail, parole or post-sentence, cultural change, and compelling messaging as additional solutions.
Are we doing enough to educate young men, particularly about the scourge of violence and the need to respect people, particularly women and children?John Pesutto, Victoria Leader of the Opposition and Liberal Party
Multiculturalism and social cohesion
As the son of an Italian migrant family and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Pesutto's views on multiculturalism align with the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
“Multiculturalism is possibility, peace, and harmony. It means everything,” he said.
Nevertheless, he advised CALD communities not to be dictated to by the past but to look to the future by accommodating and solving historical conflicts through new Australian solutions.
“Many communities have ancient historical conflicts between peoples worldwide throughout the ages, and some haven’t been resolved to be very candid about issues," he said.
We know multiculturalism must also mean an ability and responsibility to share and manage the differences that unite people rather than divide them.John Pesutto, Victoria Leader of the Opposition and Liberal Party
“And the importance of that is not only that it includes people in the Australian family here, but it’s also a benchmark for the rest of the world.
"It’s possible for current and future generations to work through (deep-seated disputes)."
He said SBS had a "vital role" to play in social cohesion.
"It's given multicultural communities a voice, giving the microphone, and that’s been vital. And continues to be vital. For those reasons, SBS will continue to play that vital role. I think it’s an institution in Australia that is appreciated," he said.
People understand SBS was a great innovation and something to be treasured.John Pesutto, Victoria Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Pesutto encouraged Ethiopian Australians to "reach for the sky" and participate enthusiastically in Australian democracy.
"I would say the Ethiopian diaspora here has enriched Victoria, and Australia (and) continues to do so," he said.
"Treasure that you are part of Australia and can continue to celebrate the traditions and customs of your forebears, your mothers and fathers, and your grandparents and ancestors long passed.
To our Ethiopian brothers and sisters, thank you for coming to Australia and being part of it.John Pesutto, Victoria Leader of the Opposition and Liberal Party
"You can continue to be that, but at the same time, reach for the stars and participate in Australian democracy. I want to see more people in parliament at the federal, state, and local government levels."
*** SBS Amharic is waiting for confirmation from the Victoria Premier Office to interview Hon. Jacinta Allan.
