Vic magistrate's remarks put job at risk

A Victorian magistrate could lose his job if a complaint about his comments to a sex assault victim are deemed serious enough.

The Judicial Commission of Victoria says it will "carefully" consider a referral from the attorney-general about the conduct of magistrate Richard Pithouse.

Jill Hennessy referred Mr Pithouse to the commission for investigation over comments he made to a sex assault victim, saying it is clear the comments are not in line with community expectations, and have caused distress to sexual assault survivors.

The commission said the complaint received last Friday will be "carefully considered".

"While the investigation is ongoing, it is not appropriate for the commission to make any further comment," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

There is no set time frame for the investigation to conclude.

The commission has power to dismiss any complaint or referral, refer it to an investigating panel if it is a very serious matter or to the relevant head of jurisdiction with recommendations about the future conduct of the officer, if it's a less serious matter.

If the matter is referred it to a panel and deemed true, it could warrant removal from office on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.

The commission can consider a range of complaints including excessive delays in giving judgments, inappropriate courtroom conduct and health issues affecting a judicial officer or VCAT member's ability to perform their official duties.