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Steve Dimopoulos
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Steve Dimopoulos
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Steve Dimopoulos (born 1972) is an Australian politician. He has been a Labor Party member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly since 2014 representing the electoral district of Oakleigh.[1] He served as the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and the Minister for Creative Industries in the Second Andrews Ministry from June 2022 to September 2023.[2] He continued as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Outdoor Recreation in the Allan Ministry.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Dimopoulos was raised in Hughesdale, and publicly educated at Hughesdale Primary School and later attended Chadstone High School. Hughesdale Primary School was threatened by the Kennett Liberal Government with closure due to demographic changes, but ultimately avoided closing.

Dimopoulos later studied at Monash University, Clayton Campus where he studied a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, majoring in Politics and History. During this time Dimopoulos worked as an Electorate Officer for the late Member for Hotham, Simon Crean AC.

Early career

[edit]

In 2002, Dimopoulos opened his own small business, called Cosmic Bear, a cafe which was located along Atherton Road in Oakleigh.[3] Dimopoulos parted ways with the business in 2005, following his election as Mayor of the City of Monash.

While operating Cosmic Bear Cafe, Dimopoulos worked at the Victorian Multicultural Commission as Manager in Policy and Programs, in August 2003 until December 2010. In January 2011, Dimopoulos work as the Assiant Director of the Department of Justice and Regulation.

Political career

[edit]

Monash City Council (2003-2014)

[edit]

Steve was elected as a Municipal Councillor to the City of Monash in 2003, representing Huntingdale Ward. He was subsequently elected Mayor of the City of Monash in 2005.[4] Following, a restructuring of Wards in the council to transition from Single-member Wards to Multiple-member, Dimopoulos was reelected to council in 2005, 2008, and 2012, representing Oakleigh ward.

First Andrews Labor Government (2014-2018)

[edit]

Dimopoulos was elected in 2014 to represent the electorate of Oakleigh, succeeding former Labor MP Ann Barker. Dimopoulos became the first MP of Greek Descent to represent the electorate in 87 years. In December 2014, Dimopoulous was appointed to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee and was later appointed to the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee in April 2018.

Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP)

[edit]

Dimopoulos was a vocal advocate for the Level Crossing Removal Project, which removed 6 level crossing in the Oakleigh Electorate between 2014 and 2018. Between the Carnegie and Clayton portion of the Cranbourne-Pakenham Line. This project also created the Djerring Trail, a 17 km stretch of urban green space, which connected the north and south of the line for the first time in decades.

Second Andrews Labor Government (2018-2022)

[edit]

Following reelection in 2018, Dimopoulos was promoted to Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. He then served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, and Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health from 2020.

On the 27th of June 2022, Dimopoulos was promoted and sworn in as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries on 27 June 2022.[5][6]

Third Andrews Labor Government (2022-2023)

[edit]

Originally a member of Labor Action, Dimopoulos moved across to Labor Left along with six of his colleagues shortly after the 2022 Victorian state election; the move of his colleagues and himself meant that Labor Left constituted a majority of the state Labor caucus.[7][8]

First Allan Labor Government (2023-Present)

[edit]

Following the resignation of Premier Daniel Andrews in 2023, Dimopoulos was promoted to Minister for the Environment and Minister for Outdoor Recreation in the First Allan Labor Ministry, and retained his role as Minister for Tourism, Sports and Major Events.[9]

Electoral history

[edit]
Electoral history of Steve Dimopoulos in the Parliament of Victoria
Year Electorate Party First Preference Result Two Candidate Result
Votes % +% Position Votes % +% Result
2014 Oakleigh Labor 15,903 45.8 +4.3 1st 20,224 58.2 +3.1 Elected
2018 19,202 53.57 +7.82 1st 23,587 65.78 +7.60 Elected
2022 19,778 45.0 −8.3 1st 27,876 63.5 −2.6 Elected

Personal life

[edit]

Dimopoulos is of Greek descent. He and Harriet Shing are the first openly gay frontbenchers in the Parliament of Victoria.[10][11]

Dimopoulos is a support of local clubs and is the joint Number One ticket holder, with Clare O'Neil, for the Oakleigh Amateur Football Club.

Dimopoulos also holds membership with a number of community groups such as the Rotary Club of Oakleigh Clayton Huntingdale Inc., Monash Glen Eira Historical Society, and Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Australia.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Dimopoulos

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Steve Dimopoulos is an Australian politician who has represented the electorate of Oakleigh in the Victorian Legislative Assembly as a member of the Australian Labor Party since 2014. He currently serves as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Environment, and Minister for Outdoor Recreation in the Andrews–Allan state Labor government. Prior to his election to parliament, Dimopoulos held positions in the public sector, including roles in the Department of Justice and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, operated a local café, served as a councillor and mayor for the City of Monash, and worked as staff for a federal member of parliament. Raised in Oakleigh by Greek migrant parents, he attended Chadstone High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts with honours, majoring in politics. In June 2022, Dimopoulos was appointed to his initial ministerial role, becoming one of the first openly homosexual ministers in the Victorian government.

Early Life and Education

Family Background and Upbringing

Steve Dimopoulos was born in to and Helen Dimopoulos, Greek migrants who arrived in with limited resources and built opportunities for their children, including Dimopoulos and his sister Mary. Raised in the working-class suburb of Hughesdale, he grew up in a household emphasizing hard work, determination, and critical inquiry into institutions such as and . His , described as holding Marxist views, encouraged questioning established norms. Dimopoulos attended Hughesdale , a public institution in his local community, and participated in weekend classes to maintain his family's cultural ties. Coming from a modest background as the first in his family to pursue higher education, his upbringing in a migrant Greek-Australian environment fostered a commitment to community and .

Academic Qualifications

Dimopoulos earned a in Industrial Relations and Resource Management from the in 1994. He subsequently completed a with Honours, majoring in and , at Monash University's Clayton campus in 1996. These qualifications provided foundational knowledge in political theory, historical analysis, and , aligning with his later and political roles. No further advanced degrees or certifications are documented in available biographical records.

Pre-Political Career

Public Sector Roles

Dimopoulos commenced his involvement in 1994 as an electorate officer and campaign director for , the Australian Labor Party Member for the federal seat of Hotham, continuing in these roles until 2002. Following this, he served as a public servant in the Victorian Department of Justice. He also held a position at the Victorian Multicultural Commission while concurrently operating a local café. In parallel with these roles, Dimopoulos engaged in , serving as a councillor for the , where he was elected in 2010. These experiences in state administration, multicultural policy, and municipal governance preceded his entry into state parliamentary politics in 2014.

Local Business Involvement

Prior to entering state politics, Dimopoulos established and operated Cosmic Bear, a café on Atherton Road in Oakleigh, commencing operations in 2002. This venture marked his primary direct engagement in local , situated in the heart of his future electorate and reflecting hands-on experience in the hospitality sector amid Oakleigh's vibrant commercial landscape. Dimopoulos managed the café until parting ways with the enterprise sometime prior to his 2014 parliamentary entry, after which it continued under subsequent ownership.

Political Entry and Elections

2014 By-Election Victory

Dimopoulos, a Greek-Australian on Monash City Council, was preselected as the Australian Labor Party candidate for the of Oakleigh ahead of the , following the retirement of longtime Labor MP Ann Barker. The contest featured two Greek-Australian candidates, with Dimopoulos facing Liberal Party opponent Theo Zographos, amid local debates on infrastructure such as rail and road developments in the southeastern suburbs of Oakleigh, Carnegie, and Murrumbeena. In the election held on November 29, , Dimopoulos secured victory for Labor, retaining the seat previously held by the party with a notional margin of 5.1 percent. Official results from the Victorian Electoral Commission recorded Dimopoulos receiving 15,903 first-preference votes (47.6 percent), ahead of Zographos's 13,303 (39.8 percent), with remaining votes distributed among minor candidates including the Australian Greens and independents. After preferences, Labor achieved a two-party-preferred margin of approximately 5.6 percent, contributing to the party's statewide win under , which ousted the Napthine Liberal government. Dimopoulos's success as a local figure, leveraging his council experience and community ties, marked Labor's hold on the diverse, urban electorate despite a modest swing to the Liberals in some metropolitan seats. His election triggered a countback process in Monash City Council to fill the vacancy left by his departure from the ward, underscoring the overlap between local and state political roles. This outcome affirmed Oakleigh's status as a safe Labor seat, reflecting its demographic mix of middle-class families, multicultural communities, and proximity to Melbourne's growth corridors.

Subsequent Electoral Results

In the 2018 Victorian state election on 24 November 2018, Dimopoulos was re-elected as the member for Oakleigh, receiving 19,202 first-preference votes or 53.6% of the primary vote, an increase of 7.8 percentage points from the 2014 by-election. His main challenger, Liberal candidate Andrew Edmonds, obtained 10,946 votes or 30.5%, while the Australian Greens' secured 3,897 votes or 10.9%. On the two-party preferred count against the Liberal Party, Dimopoulos achieved 65.8%, yielding a margin of 15.8%.
CandidatePartyFirst-Preference VotesPercentage
Steve Dimopoulos19,20253.6%
Andrew EdmondsLiberal10,94630.5%
Peter Morgan3,89710.9%
Others (Animal Justice, Sustainable Australia, Independent)Various1,8025.0%
Dimopoulos was re-elected again in the on 26 November 2022, capturing 19,778 first-preference votes or 45.0% amid a fragmented field, down slightly from 2018 due to stronger Greens performance. Liberal candidate Jim Grivokostopoulos received 12,848 votes or 29.3%, and Greens candidate Hsiang-Han Hsieh polled 7,278 votes or 16.6%. In the two-candidate preferred count against the Liberal Party, Dimopoulos prevailed with 63.5% to 36.5%, maintaining a secure hold on the seat with formal turnout at 88.4% of enrolled voters.
CandidatePartyFirst-Preference VotesPercentage
Steve Dimopoulos19,77845.0%
Jim GrivokostopoulosLiberal12,84829.3%
Hsiang-Han Hsieh7,27816.6%
Others (Independent, Family First, Animal Justice, Freedom Party)Various3,9068.9%

Parliamentary Service

Initial Terms and Committee Work

Dimopoulos was elected to the in a for the electorate of Oakleigh on 29 November 2014, securing the seat for the following the resignation of the previous member. His initial term aligned with Labor's formation of government after the 2014 state election, positioning him as a backbench member focused on constituency and parliamentary duties. In December 2014, shortly after his election, Dimopoulos was appointed to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee, which examines legislative bills for consistency with fundamental legislative principles, including protections against retrospective operation, disproportionate penalties, and infringements on without adequate safeguards. This role involved reviewing proposed and subordinate instruments to ensure ary oversight of executive rulemaking. From April 2015 to October 2018, he served on the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee, responsible for inquiring into government budget estimates, public sector financial management, and performance reporting to enhance accountability in public expenditure. During this tenure, the committee conducted annual budget estimate hearings and produced reports on fiscal oversight, contributing to Dimopoulos's experience in scrutinizing departmental operations and policy implementation prior to his elevation to roles after the 2018 election.

Promotion to Ministerial Ranks

Dimopoulos was promoted to the Victorian ministry on 27 June 2022, when Premier appointed him as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for during a ahead of the November state election. This elevation followed eight years in parliament, including service on committees such as the Economy and Infrastructure and the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee, where he had demonstrated engagement with economic and infrastructure policy. The reshuffle introduced five new ministers, including Dimopoulos, to refresh the frontbench amid Labor's preparation for a third term, replacing departing executives like Martin Pakula and Jaala Pulford. The appointments were sworn in by Governor on the same day, formalizing Dimopoulos's transition from backbench to executive roles responsible for sectors contributing significantly to Victoria's , with alone generating over $30 billion annually pre-COVID. Andrews cited Dimopoulos's experience and parliamentary tenure as factors in the selection, emphasizing continuity in key portfolios amid recovery efforts from the pandemic. Critics, including opposition leader , questioned the timing as politically motivated, arguing it prioritized electoral optics over merit in a government facing scrutiny over debt levels exceeding $100 billion.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Portfolio

Dimopoulos assumed the role of Minister for , and Major Events in June 2022, overseeing policies to enhance Victoria's visitor economy, sporting infrastructure, and event hosting capabilities. In this capacity, he promotes and regional Victoria as hubs for international sports, cultural events, and , emphasizing economic contributions from visitor spending and job creation in the sector. Key initiatives under his portfolio include the October 2025 launch of a new visitor economy strategy in partnership with Visit Victoria, aimed at boosting jobs and regional travel through targeted marketing and infrastructure investments. In August 2025, he released a report examining opportunities to strengthen Victoria-India sporting ties, highlighting shared interests in cricket and other disciplines to foster bilateral economic and cultural exchanges. Additionally, Dimopoulos has advanced sustainability goals, positioning Melbourne as a leader in hosting carbon-neutral major events, with plans to implement eco-friendly practices across venues and operations. In sport, he supported the confirmation of the Maurie Plant Meet athletics event for March 2026, underscoring Victoria's role in elite competitions that attract global audiences and stimulate local economies. For major events, announcements in 2025 included upgrades to the Major Events Precinct to accommodate larger crowds and diverse programming, as well as the debut schedule for the $450 million Nyaal Banyul venue, featuring initial concerts and performances expected to draw significant attendance. Earlier in September 2025, he highlighted a spring events calendar projected to inject over $23 million into the through and . Dimopoulos has also engaged internationally, such as a February 2025 trip to the to study event operations and festive atmospheres for application in Melbourne's sports and cultural precincts. These efforts align with broader portfolio objectives outlined in parliamentary documents, focusing on experiential programs to drive recovery and growth post-pandemic.

Creative Industries Oversight

Dimopoulos was appointed Minister for in the on 25 June 2022, becoming the first Greek Australian to hold the role, alongside his responsibilities for , , and major events. His tenure, which lasted until October 2023, focused on advancing Victoria's creative sectors, including live music, screen production, and digital games, through targeted funding and industry support programs. A major initiative under Dimopoulos's oversight was a $6.7 million in First Peoples creative , announced on 29 October 2022, which included nearly $2 million allocated specifically to Indigenous-led projects across arts funding rounds managed by Creative Victoria. This funding supported outcomes from three separate grants programs aimed at bolstering Indigenous creative output. Dimopoulos also prioritized digital and interactive media, announcing the Play Now Melbourne program to connect local game developers and studios with global opportunities, as part of broader efforts to strengthen Victoria's digital industries ecosystem. These measures aligned with the government's strategy to foster economic growth in creative sectors post-COVID-19 recovery, though specific performance metrics for these investments, such as job creation or export revenue, were not detailed in official releases during his term.

Environment and Outdoor Recreation Duties

Dimopoulos assumed the role of Minister for Environment on 2 October 2023, overseeing the administration of key legislation including the Environment Protection Act 2017, which governs control and environmental protection, and the Pollution of Waters by and Noxious Substances Act 1986. In this capacity, he is responsible for the management of Parks Victoria, including the enforcement of the Parks Victoria Act 1983 to protect natural assets while balancing public access and conservation. His tenure has emphasized sustainable resource allocation for existing public lands over rapid expansion of protected areas, as articulated in a 2024 response to stakeholder concerns, where he advocated directing funds toward improved forest management and partnerships with Traditional Owners rather than immediate new park designations. As Minister for Outdoor Recreation, also appointed on 2 October 2023, Dimopoulos leads policy on game hunting, serving as the primary authority for regulating sustainable hunting practices through bodies like the Game Management Authority. This portfolio encompasses broader recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and access to state forests, with initiatives including the abolition of fees at all Victorian boat ramps to enhance public participation, announced in October 2024. In May 2024, he publicly defended recreational hunting as a legitimate land management tool amid criticism from animal rights activists, underscoring its role in biodiversity control and habitat maintenance. Under Dimopoulos's oversight, the government has committed significant funding to outdoor , including over $106 million across programs to expand access to natural areas, as highlighted in a March 2025 parliamentary statement. Key actions include the October 2025 Great Outdoors Plan, allocating $30 million to open 1.8 million hectares of state forests in for public use, and the introduction of the Parks and Public Land Bill in September 2025, which designates over 65,000 hectares as new parks while addressing long-term forest management via the Great Outdoors Taskforce recommendations. These efforts reflect a focus on equitable access, economic benefits for regional communities, and evidence-based conservation, prioritizing empirical management outcomes over expansive designations.

Policy Initiatives

Environmental and Conservation Efforts

As Minister for Environment since October 2023, Steve Dimopoulos has overseen initiatives emphasizing youth engagement in conservation, restoration, and expanded protections for public lands. The Victorian Junior Landcare and Grants program, administered under his portfolio, awarded $450,000 to 111 projects in June 2025, supporting nature-based education and on-ground works such as native creation and wildlife monitoring for children and youth groups. These efforts build on prior funding, with $3.2 million allocated since 2018 to 778 projects involving over 57,000 young participants, including planting 124,000 indigenous plants and installing 847 nest boxes. In September 2024, Dimopoulos announced over $409,000 in similar grants to 103 childcare centres, schools, Scouts, and youth organizations, funding activities like revegetation, surveys, and habitat enhancements for species such as the and pollinators. Since 2018, this strand has engaged 47,000 young people through 1,000 excursions and 99,000 plantings, prioritizing hands-on conservation to foster long-term . Broader community programs, including Landcare and Coastcare, received $17.3 million in the 2025-26 state budget to support local environmental projects. Dimopoulos introduced the Parks and Public Land Bill in September 2025, designating over 65,000 hectares as new national parks in areas including Mount Buangor, the , and Wombat-Lerderderg, while establishing Cobaw and Hepburn conservation parks and expanding Bendigo Regional Park. The legislation permanently protects sites like the Mirboo North Immediate Protection Area and renames Yellingbo to Liwik Barring Conservation Area, aiming to safeguard such as the and rare like Mount Cole grevillea, while maintaining public access for activities including bushwalking, , and . No additional national parks are planned, with resources directed toward managing existing estates. The 2025-26 budget under Dimopoulos allocated an additional $336 million to environmental initiatives, totaling over $5.1 billion since 2014-15, including $124.9 million for the Environment Protection Authority to combat and , $9.2 million for pest , and $48.3 million for bushfire recovery in western Victoria. Further investments cover $3.8 million for Liwik Barring and $23.5 million for fuel reduction, reflecting a focus on resilience and regulatory enforcement. In 2025, his responded to the Review recommendations, though organizations criticized the measures as insufficient for modern protections.

Recreation and Hunting Policies

As Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Steve Dimopoulos has implemented policies aimed at enhancing access to public lands for licensed hunters while emphasizing of . In September 2024, he announced the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024, effective from 7 September, which streamline licensing processes, improve safety protocols, and protect against unauthorized to safeguard the recreational hunting sector. These regulations followed consultations with stakeholders and were positioned as a response to illegal activities, with Dimopoulos stating they would "ensure recreational hunting remains a safe and sustainable activity for generations." Dimopoulos has expanded opportunities in national parks to address , amending the National Parks Act in July 2025 to permit seasonal in the Snowy and Errinundra National Parks, areas previously closed to such activities. This policy, justified by evidence of deer impacts on native vegetation and ecosystems, allows licensed hunters to contribute to during specified periods, with mandatory reporting to monitor effectiveness. In October 2025, he allocated $1 million for constructing new hunting huts equipped with meat safes in select remote areas, facilitating extended stays and meat processing to encourage participation in deer management. He has also upheld annual seasons, confirming the 2025 season as sustainable based on scientific bag limits and population data from the Game Management Authority. In defending these measures against criticism from anti-hunting groups, Dimopoulos argued in May 2024 that recreational plays a vital role in management, countering claims that it exacerbates environmental harm. Organizations like Invasive Species Council have contested the openings, asserting that targeted by professionals would be more effective than broad recreational access, though government data indicates hunter participation has historically aided pest reduction without increasing overall deer numbers. Dimopoulos rejected proposals for expansive new national parks, such as a 300,000-hectare Great Forest National Park, citing insufficient evidence of benefits outweighing restrictions on recreational use. Broader recreation policies under Dimopoulos include the Parks and Public Land Bill introduced in September 2025, which expands public access to over 4 million hectares of parks and forests by clarifying usage rights for activities like , , and trail use, while prohibiting new closures without justification. He has also reduced barriers to water-based , abolishing registration fees for non-powered boats under 3 meters in October 2024 to lower costs for families and increase participation rates. These initiatives prioritize evidence-based access over restrictive designations, aligning with data showing rising demand for outdoor activities post-pandemic.

Tourism and Economic Development Strategies

Dimopoulos, as Minister for , and Major Events, has prioritized strategies to expand Victoria's visitor economy, which contributed $9.2 billion in annually to the state's economy as of 2025. These efforts emphasize regional dispersal, niche markets like wellness and Indigenous , and leveraging major events to generate jobs and expenditure, with tourism spending rising 20% year-on-year in 2025. In October 2025, he announced the Visit Victoria 2030 strategy, designed to attract more international and domestic visitors, foster job creation in regional areas, and enhance through a redeveloped content hub and the Touring Victoria initiative for promoting intra-state travel. The plan builds on post-pandemic recovery, targeting sustained growth in the sector amid from other Australian states. Specific investments include the First Peoples Tourism Plan 2025–2030, launched in September 2025, which aims to integrate Indigenous cultural experiences into offerings to boost economic participation and visitor numbers in regional communities. Complementing this, a June 2025 trails strategy for the seeks to develop new walking and paths, enhancing nature-based while supporting local economies through increased overnight stays and business revenue. Wellness tourism has been a focal area, with Dimopoulos releasing A Guide to Wellness Tourism Investment in August 2025 to attract developers for spas, retreats, and health-focused infrastructure, positioning Victoria as a leader in this high-value segment projected to grow globally. Similarly, the Victorian Wine Strategy 2025–2030 promotes enotourism clusters, linking vineyards with events and accommodations to drive rural economic diversification. Major events underpin these strategies, as evidenced by the 2025 , which delivered $565.8 million in economic benefits through visitor spending and infrastructure utilization under government-backed investments. Partnerships announced in June 2025 further allocate funds to workers and expand operator networks, tying growth to broader budget commitments of $627 million for economic stimulus.

Controversies and Criticisms

Parliamentary Conduct Incidents

In March 2019, during a speech in the , Steve Dimopoulos addressed the issue of online abuse and threats directed at parliamentarians, including Premier and Deputy Premier , in the context of heightened concerns following the mosque attacks. While reciting examples of the vitriol received, such as death threats and personal harassment—including being followed and photographed—Dimopoulos used , including the words "f***" and "unwashed c***". Speaker Colin Brooks immediately intervened, chastising Dimopoulos for the offensive terms, which violated parliamentary standards on despite the intent to highlight social media's role in amplifying hate. Dimopoulos subsequently withdrew the remarks and apologized, stating, "I acknowledge it was offensive to the chamber, and I am sorry." No further disciplinary action, such as suspension, was reported from the incident.

Political Disputes with Opposition

In January 2025, Dimopoulos engaged in a public dispute with Victorian Opposition Leader over Battin's response to neo-Nazi presence at a November 2023 rally in Berwick protesting the renaming of a lake. Dimopoulos accused Battin of employing "weasel words" and failing to unequivocally condemn the neo-Nazis, including member Joel Davis, who claimed Battin had invited them; Dimopoulos stated that Battin needed to "step up and say to these people, ‘you are wrong, and you are disgraceful’." Battin rejected the accusations, asserting he had left the rally upon recognizing the neo-Nazis and would "never, ever in my life stand beside, near or around a neo-Nazi," whom he described as "scum." He countered that Dimopoulos was using Victoria's Jewish community as "political bait" amid rising anti-Semitism, criticizing the Allan Labor government's handling of community safety concerns. The exchange highlighted tensions between Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition on and community protection, with Battin emphasizing his prior condemnations while Dimopoulos pressed for stronger language against far-right elements. No formal parliamentary action followed, but the spat drew media in the lead-up to the 2026 state election.

Debates on Hunting and Activism

Dimopoulos, as Minister for , has defended recreational as a sustainable practice integral to , , and economic benefits, drawing criticism from activists who advocate for bans. In January , his government rejected a parliamentary inquiry's recommendation to prohibit , opting instead to permit the season from April 10 to June 11, emphasizing regulated, science-based approaches over outright . Activists, including groups like Animals , condemned the decision as prioritizing hunters' interests amid declining duck populations and ethical concerns over recreational killing. The 2025 duck announcement intensified debates, extending the period to nearly from with increased daily bag limits—up to 50 more birds per hunter in some cases—based on adaptive harvest management models assessing conditions and surveys. Dimopoulos argued this framework ensures sustainability, countering activist claims of overharvesting by pointing to regulatory oversight from the Game Management Authority, which uses empirical data on harvest rates and population viability. Opponents, such as the campaign group Act for Birds, have mobilized petitions and public pressure on Dimopoulos and Jacinta to end the practice entirely, framing it as incompatible with conservation ethics and citing incidents of illegal or excessive . Deer hunting policies have similarly sparked , particularly after July 2025 expansions opening approximately 130,000 hectares in East state forests to licensed hunters for , , and job support in regional areas. Dimopoulos highlighted feral deer impacts on —overgrazing native vegetation and exacerbating bushfire risks—as justifying controlled , rejecting calls for new national parks that would limit access. Conservation activists, including Environment East , decried this as a "" favoring hunters over protected areas, accusing the policy of undermining ecological restoration efforts despite government data showing deer densities exceeding sustainable thresholds in affected regions. In May 2024, Dimopoulos reiterated support for recreational 's role in balancing human activities with , dismissing activist narratives as overlooking evidence-based management. These exchanges underscore tensions between regulatory science, which underpins Victoria's licensing and quota systems, and activist advocacy prioritizing animal rights over utilitarian control.

Personal Life

Ethnic Heritage and Cultural Ties

Steve Dimopoulos was born on December 3, 1972, in Melbourne, Australia, to parents who migrated from Greece, instilling in him a strong connection to Hellenic roots within a working-class family environment. The surname Dimopoulos derives from Greek etymology, functioning as a patronymic formed from the personal name Dimos combined with the suffix -poulos, prevalent in the Peloponnese region and indicative of post-Byzantine naming conventions among Greek families. Dimopoulos has consistently affirmed his ethnic identity as an "Aussie Greek," emphasizing pride in his heritage as the son of migrants who contributed to Australia's multicultural fabric. This background positions him as a bridge between Australian and Greek communities, notably as Victoria's first openly gay minister of Greek descent, appointed in roles reflecting diverse representation. His cultural ties manifest through linguistic proficiency and communal engagement; in March 2015, Dimopoulos delivered his maiden speech to the entirely in Greek, a rare parliamentary gesture underscoring personal and ancestral linguistic bonds. He maintains active involvement with Victoria's sizable , publicly commemorating events like Greek Independence Day to honor the "proud and ancient civilisation." These expressions align with broader patterns of retention of traditions amid assimilation in .

Personal Identity and Advocacy

Steve Dimopoulos, born on December 3, 1972, in , , identifies as homosexual and became one of Victoria's first openly gay government ministers upon his swearing-in on June 27, 2022, alongside . This milestone occurred decades after the in Victoria in 1981, during Dimopoulos's childhood, highlighting persistent societal stigma around at the time. As the first openly homosexual minister of Greek heritage in Victoria, Dimopoulos has emphasized personal autonomy in disclosing one's , stating in June 2022 that "no one gets to tell us how and when we come out and if we ever do" in defense of Rebel Wilson's privacy regarding her personal life. This position reflects his advocacy for individual choice over to conform to expectations about revealing private aspects of identity. Dimopoulos has also advocated for broader acceptance of diverse identities, asserting in October 2023 that "nobody should feel scared or ashamed to be who they are," extending this principle to support for the Jewish community amid rising concerns over . His public roles, including prior work at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, underscore a commitment to representing multicultural and diverse populations in Australian society, though specific advocacy tied directly to his personal identity remains centered on privacy and anti-discrimination themes rather than institutional campaigns.

References

  1. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/steve-dimopoulos/
  2. https://greekherald.com.au/news/politics/steve-dimopoulos-mp-gets-extra-portfolios-in-victorian-cabinet-re-shuffle/
  3. https://www.advoc8.co/p/steve-dimopoulos
  4. https://junctionjournalism.com/2018/11/07/labor-steve-dimopolous/
  5. https://www.smh.com.au/politics/victoria/victoria-s-first-openly-gay-ministers-sworn-in-20220627-p5awtb.html
  6. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/greek/en/podcast-episode/steve-dimopoulos-the-priorities-of-the-first-openly-gay-greek-australian-new-victorian-minister/9tr8spfjl
  7. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2022/06/25/news/australia/dimopoulos-is-victorias-first-greek-australian-to-be-minister-for-creative-industries/
  8. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2022/06/30/news/australia/greek-australian-elevated-to-cabinet-in-victorian-government/
  9. https://impactwealth.org/steve-dimopoulos-net-worth-biography-and-philanthropy/
  10. https://www.facebook.com/DimoforOakleigh/posts/my-old-school-it-turns-100-this-year-not-that-i-was-there-when-it-opened-hughesd/1042618260561645/
  11. https://www.facebook.com/DimoforOakleigh/posts/remember-when-you-went-to-language-school-on-a-saturday-morning-my-greek-school-/1354941045996030/
  12. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2014/07/02/news/australia/steve-dimopoulos-the-oakleigh-contest/
  13. https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/vic/2014/guide/oakl
  14. https://greekreporter.com/2014/11/28/greek-australians-battle-in-oakleigh-elections/
  15. https://www.tallyroom.com.au/archive/vic2014/oakleigh2014
  16. https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/results/state-election-results/2014-state-election?year=2014&target=oakleighdistrict
  17. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/monash-council-forced-into-countback-after-cr-steve-dimopoulos-wins-oakleigh-seat-in-state-election/news-story/d48925703e11d833259c763540a0898d
  18. https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/vic/2018/guide/oakl
  19. https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/results/state-election-results/2022-state-election-results/results-by-district/oakleigh-district-results
  20. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-27/victoria-new-ministers-frontbench-sworn-in/101183472
  21. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-strategy-back-jobs-and-visitor-economy
  22. https://aii.unimelb.edu.au/media-release-sports-report-finds-common-ground-for-victoria-and-india-ties/
  23. https://www.outlooktraveller.com/destinations/international/ot-interview-minister-steve-dimopoulos-on-why-victoria-is-australias-most-diverse-destination
  24. https://www.athletics.com.au/news/melbournes-golden-night-of-athletics-returns-maurie-plant-meet-confirmed-for-march/
  25. https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/news/more-upgrades-announced-ballarat-major-events-precinct
  26. https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/nyaal-banyul-announces-first-four-events/
  27. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/springing-packed-calendar-events
  28. https://djsir.vic.gov.au/about-us/overview/our-ministers-and-parliamentary-secretaries/ministerial-travel-reports/mr-steve-dimopoulos-mp-travel-report-united-states-of-america%2C-4-to-12-february-2025
  29. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/4a321e/contentassets/35842cb9f8e24154ac51878535e2ec1a/tourism-sport-and-major-events---final.pdf
  30. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-new-ministry
  31. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/495ca0/contentassets/15feb75455874c009718c70af0fac885/creative-industries.pdf
  32. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/record-investment-first-peoples-creative-industries
  33. https://www.artshub.com.au/news/news/record-investment-in-first-peoples-creative-industries-2590540/
  34. https://thebusinesstimes.com.au/startups/39287-victorian-government-supports-digital-industries
  35. https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/EPA-Ministers-SOE-2024.pdf
  36. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-ministers
  37. https://www.facebook.com/groups/BushUserGroupsUnited/posts/1928345564279569/
  38. https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/about-us/responsibilities-for-game-management-and-hunting-in-victoria
  39. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/parliamentary-activity/hansard/hansard-details/HANSARD-2145855009-27860
  40. https://afta.net.au/minister-steve-dimopoulos-defends-recreational-hunting-amid-activist-criticism/
  41. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/parliamentary-activity/hansard/hansard-details/HANSARD-2145855009-30131
  42. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/our-plan-victorias-great-outdoors
  43. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/best-bush-open-all-victorians
  44. https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/futureforests/future-forests/great-outdoors-taskforce
  45. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/more-young-victorians-caring-our-environment
  46. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/young-victorians-shaping-greener-future-state
  47. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/4a3222/contentassets/7bb6e201c237439a9ea7b9757f44fb31/environment.pdf
  48. https://lilydale.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2025/10/23/wildlife-organisations-say-state-government-missed-the-mark-on-act-reforms/
  49. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-regulations-safeguard-recreational-hunting
  50. https://getthewordout.com.au/press-release/press-release-minister-dimopoulos-to-open-up-more-national-parks-for-deer-stalking/
  51. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/game-changing-huts-boost-recreational-deer-hunting
  52. https://sevoice.com.au/sustainable-approach-to-duck-season/
  53. https://invasives.org.au/media-releases/victorian-government-slammed-for-opening-national-parks-to-deer-hunters/
  54. https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/news/victoria/labor-wont-create-300000ha-national-park/news-story/2bdbdf8e7afee2b15da33f6593706f9f
  55. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/49ef22/contentassets/35842cb9f8e24154ac51878535e2ec1a/tourism-sport-and-major-events---final.pdf
  56. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP3OcK4koWi/
  57. https://www.spicenews.com.au/industry-news/victoria-unveils-strategy-to-turbocharge-visitor-economy/
  58. https://wawabiik.com.au/wawa-biik-is-set-for-tourism-growth/
  59. https://www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Latest-News/New-Trails-Strategy-To-Boost-Great-Ocean-Road-Tourism
  60. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/growing-victorias-wellness-tourism-sector
  61. https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/1140204/Victorian-Wine-Strategy-2025-2030.pdf
  62. https://ausopen.com/articles/news/ao-delivers-record-5658-million-economic-benefits-victoria
  63. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-partnerships-boost-tourism-jobs
  64. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/labor-mp-steve-dimopoulos-calls-out-vile-online-abuse-in-expletiveriddled-speech-to-parliament/news-story/75ded7ca9be4752557e9c55c8b892a5b
  65. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/opposition-leader-brad-battin-hits-back-at-minister-steve-dimopoulos-over-neonazi-supporter-jab/news-story/bee1226ad8eedbc725cb98984f76bba7
  66. https://greekherald.com.au/news/politics/victorias-liberal-leader-and-steve-dimopoulos-mp-clash-over-neo-nazi-claims/
  67. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-29/duck-hunting-to-remain-legal-in-victoria/103399288
  68. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/continuing-recreational-duck-hunting-victoria
  69. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/jan/15/fate-of-duck-hunting-in-victoria-hangs-in-the-balance-as-deadline-looms-for-government-decision
  70. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/14/labor-gifts-duck-hunters-longer-shooting-season-in-victoria-allows-50-more-birds-to-be-killed
  71. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-15/duck-hunting-season-in-victoria-to-last-almost-three-months/104940922
  72. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/250214-Sustainable-Approach-To-The-2025-Duck-Hunting-Season-.pdf
  73. https://www.actforbirds.org/bird-hunting/victoria
  74. https://arr.news/2025/07/04/more-opportunities-for-deer-hunting-in-victoria-dimopoulos/
  75. https://www.karmactive.com/victoria-expands-deer-hunting-to-national-parks-130000-hectares-open-despite-conservation-backlash/
  76. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/hopes-for-a-new-national-park-dashed-to-the-delight-of-hunters-20250703-p5mcar.html
  77. https://www.facebook.com/groups/EastGippForests/posts/2638674489798311/
  78. https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/duck/Adaptive-Harvest-Management-for-game-duck-hunting-in-Victoria/GMA-recommendation-2025-duck-season.pdf
  79. https://www.ancestry.com/last-name-meaning/dimopoulos
  80. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjm2526LVpr/
  81. https://greekreporter.com/2015/03/16/greek-australian-mp-steve-dimopoulos-addresses-parliament-in-greek/
  82. https://www.facebook.com/DimoforOakleigh/photos/to-victorias-large-greek-australian-community-my-friends-and-family-for-a-proud-/1234552931368176/
  83. https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/victoria-s-first-openly-gay-ministers-sworn-in-20220627-p5awtb.html
  84. https://neoskosmos.com/en/2022/06/16/news/australia/steve-dimopoulos-no-one-gets-t4444o-tell-us-how-and-when-we-come-out-and-if-we-ever-do/
  85. https://www.instagram.com/p/CyRrRn7S6Ih/
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