Matthew Guy Demands Apology Following Police Investigation
Victorian Liberal MP Matthew Guy has called for an apology from fellow state Liberal MP Moira Deeming after police concluded their investigation into an allegation that he assaulted her, determining there was "no offence detected."
Addressing reporters outside state parliament on Friday morning, a visibly emotional Guy urged Deeming, as well as Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, to apologise.
"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," he said.
"There was no ambiguity. I did not do what was alleged, the CCTV proves this. It did from the start, and Victoria police agree."
Deeming had reported to police on 16 June that Guy, the opposition’s public transport spokesperson, assaulted her at a Macedonian community event in Sunshine on 23 May.
It is understood Deeming alleged that Guy placed her in a form of headlock. She has been approached for comment.
CCTV footage of the event was circulated on Thursday, with police confirming that evening they had concluded their investigation.
Victoria Police stated:
"It was reported a woman was assaulted by a man at an event.
"The woman did not require medical attention, and the incident was reported to police on 16 June.
"Following a thorough investigation, it has been determined there was no offence detected.
"Investigators have engaged with the woman who made the report."
It is understood that police did not question Guy as part of their investigation.
Guy expressed frustration, stating that "every Australian male over 40 seems to be blamed, scapegoated, not believed" and that men are "now thrown under the bus, even by our own government."
On Thursday, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny issued a statement directed at opposition leader Jess Wilson, including 10 questions Wilson "must answer" regarding the allegations. These questions included whether it is "appropriate for a member of her caucus to be in the party room when they are the subject of a complaint to police."
Premier Jacinta Allan told reporters that Kilkenny’s questions "go to the heart of the leadership of the [Liberal Party]." She added:
"They go to allegations of very serious matters about an alleged assault by one Liberal party member of parliament against a colleague in their party room."
Guy responded to the premier and attorney-general’s comments, saying they "told every Victorian male over 40 they don’t have your back."
"To Aussie males who are sick of this treatment, who are sick of not being believed, some of us in parliament still have your back. I have your back," he said, expressing gratitude for the support of his Coalition colleagues, friends, and staff.
"My whole family has been deeply hurt by these allegations. I am owed the apologies I seek. Any reasonable and decent person would agree."
Guy was accompanied by his solicitor, Candice Almeida from Queenie Thompson Lawyers, who stated:
"My client has endured immense personal and professional harm as a consequence of those allegations. He hopes that the outcome serves as a reminder that allegations of this nature should be carefully investigated before conclusions are reached, and that every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence."
Wilson is expected to hold a press conference in Mildura on Friday afternoon.
Speaking on ABC Radio Mildura on Friday morning, Wilson thanked police for their "prompt" investigation but said she would wait for Guy to address media before providing further comment.
"I’m pleased that the police investigation has concluded promptly, and that no offence has been detected," Wilson said.
"I have given Matthew that opportunity this morning to respond. I’ve reached out to Moira to seek a conversation with her when she returns from overseas."
The allegation, occurring just five months before the election, has increased pressure on Wilson, who since her appointment as leader in November has worked to bring stability to the Liberal party, which has experienced years of infighting between its moderate and conservative factions.
The party also faces a significant challenge from a rising One Nation party, which threatens its chances of forming a majority government.
Last week, Wilson began a five-week tour of each of the state’s 88 electorates to present the Coalition as prepared to govern.
