Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has accused former party leader Matthew Guy of assault during a function in May, an allegation that has prompted a police investigation. Victorian Liberal Leader Jess Wilson confirmed the matter is being investigated, stating that "all parties involved deserve due process, the presumption of innocence and their privacy respected while this is investigated."
Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault at an event in Sunshine West on May 23. "It was reported a woman was assaulted by a man at an event held at a function venue on Sommerville Road," police said. Deeming left the event following the incident and did not require medical attention. She reported the incident to authorities on June 16.
CCTV footage of the alleged incident appears to show Guy placing his hand on Deeming's upper back as they lean in to speak. Guy has reportedly "vehemently denied to colleagues that anything untoward took place," according to The Age.
The allegation comes as the Liberal Party prepares for the November state election, where they aim to unseat a three-term Labor government. The party has faced other controversies, including the departure of former deputy leader Sam Groth from his seat due to public pressure on his family, which he claimed partly originated from within his own party.
Separately, Deeming was involved in a defamation case against former leader John Pesutto, who was ordered to pay $2.3 million in legal costs after implying she was associated with neo-Nazis. The state Liberals' administrative committee agreed to loan Pesutto $1.55 million to cover these costs, a decision that faced a Supreme Court challenge from former committee member Colleen Harkin and others over alleged breaches of party rules.
State Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny has raised questions with Wilson regarding her knowledge of the allegation and any actions taken. Premier Jacinta Allan also stated that "serious questions" need to be answered by the Liberal Leader about the matter.