Australia's Liberal Party has narrowly avoided a damaging public row after Victorian MP Moira Deeming dropped her Supreme Court challenge against her own party, which sought to disendorse her as a candidate ahead of November's state election. The move comes amid allegations of assault against former party leader Matthew Guy, sparked by CCTV footage from a May function showing him placing his hand on Deeming's upper back.
The Victoria Police review found no evidence of an offence being committed, but the incident has exposed deep divisions within the Liberal Party in Australia. For British readers, this saga may seem like an internal matter for the Australian party, but its implications are significant. The Victorian election is a crucial test for the state's Liberal Party, and any controversy surrounding top candidates can have far-reaching consequences for the party's reputation and chances of electoral success.
The dispute began in July 2026 when Deeming initiated legal proceedings against Brian Loughnane, the Victorian Liberal party president. The case had been ongoing as Deeming claimed to be unwell and overseas due to jetlag, which she stated had affected her initial understanding and response to the events. Despite this, she maintained that she had progressed the issue in good faith, respected confidentiality, and adhered to party instructions and policies.
Deeming's decision to drop her challenge has bought her time, allowing her to submit a 12-page mediation proposal to the party's state executive. This move could potentially clear up any misunderstandings surrounding the alleged assault, but it remains unclear whether the party will now pursue disendorsement or reconvene the issue. Former Liberal leader Matthew Guy had previously demanded a public apology from Deeming, claiming he was innocent of any wrongdoing.