Richard Pithouse served in the Wimmera between 2010 and 2012, including at Horsham Magistrates’ Court.

Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said on Thursday she had referred a matter involving Mr Pithouse to the Judicial Commission.

It comes after Mr Pithouse allegedly stated during a courtroom exchange earlier this year that an alleged rape victim must have experienced “buyer’s remorse” and “put herself in that position” because she was drinking alcohol and was out partying late at night.

“There’s an old adage… that you can’t profit from your own malfeasance," he reportedly said.

Mr Pithouse was removed from the case over the incident.

Ms Hennessy said on Thursday it was clear Mr Pithouse’s comments were not in line with community expectations, and had caused distress to sexual assault survivors. 

“That’s why I am referring this matter to the Judicial Commission for further investigation,” she said.

“While these matters are subject to investigation it’s not appropriate to comment further.”

On online petition directed to the Attorney-General calling for Mr Pithouse to be stood down has thousands of supporters. The petition details a list of alleged complaints about Mr Pithouse's courtroom conduct.

Earlier this year, Mr Pithouse was spared criminal punishment for leaving the scene of a car crash after he sideswiped a parked ute.

He was ordered to write a letter of apology to the ute owner and donate $650 to charity.