Guy Demands That Deeming Apologise

The Victorian Liberal Party has found itself embroiled in another internal controversy after police closed an investigation into an allegation that former Opposition Leader Matthew Guy assaulted fellow Liberal MP Moira Deeming, finding there was “no offence detected”.

Mr Guy is now demanding public apologies from Ms Deeming, Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, saying the allegations caused significant damage to his reputation and his family.

Addressing reporters outside State Parliament on Friday, Mr Guy said: “My family name, my reputation is not a political toy. No one’s is. So I want – and my family deserve – those apologies, particularly from Moira Deeming.”

“There was no ambiguity. I did not do what was alleged, the CCTV proves this. It did from the start, and Victoria Police agree.”

Incident Closed by Police

Ms Deeming reported the alleged incident to police on 16 June, claiming Mr Guy assaulted her during a Macedonian community event in Sunshine on 23 May.

Wyndham TV understands the allegation was that Mr Guy placed Ms Deeming in a form of headlock.

Victoria Police later confirmed it had concluded its investigation, determining there was “no offence detected”.

Wyndham TV understands police did not interview Mr Guy as part of the investigation.

Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny released a statement calling on Liberal leader Jess Wilson to answer 10 questions about the matter. However, Ms Kilkenny has not publicly directed similar questions to fellow minister Luba Grigorovitch for writing character references for a man convicted of assaulting a woman.

Premier and Attorney General Called Out

Mr Guy also criticised comments made by Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny while the investigation was underway, arguing they had unfairly prejudged the matter.

“My whole family has been deeply hurt by these allegations. I am owed the apologies I seek. Any reasonable and decent person would agree,” he said.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has publicly supported Mr Guy’s call for an apology and confirmed she intends to meet with Ms Deeming when she returns to Melbourne.

She said her immediate focus remains on supporting Mr Guy.

The latest dispute once again exposes divisions within the Victorian Liberal Party just months before the November state election.

While Ms Wilson has sought to steady the party after years of factional infighting, another public clash between senior MPs is likely to renew scrutiny over the Coalition’s unity as it attempts to convince Victorians it is ready to govern.