Moira Deeming won't apologize to Matthew Guy over assault allegation

Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has stated she will not apologize to her colleague Matthew Guy over an alleged assault, despite acknowledging a misunderstanding of the term 'headlock'. Deeming had reported to police in June that Guy, the opposition's public transport spokesperson, had placed her in a headlock at a Macedonian community event in Melbourne in May.

Following the release of CCTV footage, Victoria Police concluded their investigation, confirming that no offense was detected. Deeming's lawyer, Tim Houweling, stated that while Deeming accepted she misunderstood the technical meaning of 'headlock', she used the term in good faith to describe the physical contact by a senior male colleague, which she found unexpected, unwelcome, painful, and fear-inducing.

Deeming categorically rejects any suggestion that her complaint was falsely made and considers such allegations defamatory. Her lawyer added that the complaint was a last resort after internal Liberal party processes failed to resolve the incident. Deeming's prior history of sexual abuse and PTSD was cited as a factor in her reaction to the incident.

Guy had publicly called for apologies from Deeming, Premier Jacinta Allan, and Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny, asserting that CCTV footage proved his innocence. However, Allan stated there was 'nothing to apologize for' and continued to question the leadership within the Liberal Party. Deeming is scheduled to meet with senior Liberals to work towards an internal resolution.