Key facts
- Liberal MP Moira Deeming has launched a lawsuit against Victorian Liberal state president Brian Loughnane.
- The legal action is listed to be heard in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday morning.
- Party executives are meeting Friday evening to decide Deeming's future candidacy.
- Deeming previously accused colleague Matthew Guy of assault, an allegation police found no offence detected.
- Guy denied the assault claim, citing CCTV evidence and seeking an apology.
- Deeming has refused to apologize to Guy.
Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has initiated a lawsuit against the party's state president, Brian Loughnane, just ahead of a crucial meeting to determine her political future. The legal action is scheduled for a hearing in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday morning.
The party's executives, including Loughnane, are slated to convene on Friday evening to decide on Deeming's candidacy, with the state election less than five months away. This internal conflict stems from an assault allegation Deeming made against her colleague, Matthew Guy, concerning an incident at a gala dinner on May 23.
Victoria Police investigated the alleged assault but concluded that no offence was detected. Guy has publicly denied the accusation, asserting that CCTV footage supports his claims and has demanded a public apology from Deeming. Deeming has since suggested a misunderstanding of the term 'headlock' but has not issued an apology.
While invited to present her case at the state executive meeting, Deeming's attendance remains uncertain. Opposition leader Jess Wilson has stated that Guy deserves an apology, a sentiment echoed by Pauline Hanson, who indicated that Deeming's refusal to apologize makes her unsuitable for a position within One Nation.
Political scientist Zareh Ghazarian described the situation as a critical juncture for the Liberal leadership, highlighting the party's disunity and disorganization, which he believes has significantly hampered its political coverage and effectiveness.
Deeming's lawyer, Tim Houweling, stated that his client's complaint was made honestly and in good faith as a last resort. He referenced CCTV footage showing Guy interacting with Deeming, noting a physical contact that was perceived as unexpected, unwelcome, painful, and fear-inducing.