A Liberal MP has filed an 11th-hour legal challenge against her party ahead of a critical meeting to determine her future following an assault allegation against a former leader.
Moira Deeming has initiated court proceedings against Victorian Liberal state president Brian Loughnane, scheduled to be heard in the Victorian Supreme Court on Friday morning.
This internal conflict occurs less than five months before the 28 November state election, as party executives, including Loughnane, prepare to convene on Friday evening to decide Deeming’s candidacy.
The upper house MP had filed a police complaint against colleague Matthew Guy, claiming he violently grabbed her in a headlock at a gala dinner on 23 May.
Victoria Police investigated and concluded no offense was detected.
Guy has demanded a public apology from Deeming, stating, “There was no ambiguity. I did not commit the alleged act. CCTV and Victoria Police confirm this.”
Deeming later claimed she misunderstood the headlock gesture but refused to apologize.
She was invited to the state executive meeting to present her perspective, though attendance remains uncertain.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson declined to comment on the process but emphasized Guy’s damaged reputation and called for Deeming to apologize.
“He deserves an apology,” she said. “Moira’s refusal to do so is concerning, and the state executive must act now.”
A Monash University political scientist, Zareh Ghazarian, criticized the party’s disunity, noting the scandal has drawn significant media attention and hindered the Liberals’ focus.
“This must be resolved swiftly, as it’s already consumed substantial political coverage and damaged the party’s image,” he said.
Deeming’s lawyer, Tim Houweling, described the complaint as made “honestly, in good faith, and as a last resort.” He referenced CCTV showing Guy placing a hand on Deeming’s upper back or shoulder before a similar motion with another man.
The lawyer argued the physical contact was “unexpected, unwelcome, painful, and caused fear and confusion.”
Deeming previously sued former leader John Pesutto for defamation after he falsely linked her to neo-Nazis following a parliamentary rally she attended.
