Police Investigate Assault Allegation as Matthew Guy Denies Claims
Victoria Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into an alleged assault involving Victorian Liberal MPs Matthew Guy and Moira Deeming. Sources close to Guy, who serves as the opposition’s public transport spokesperson, state he strongly denies the accusations and is contemplating legal action for defamation against Deeming.
Both MPs have been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
CCTV footage from a Macedonian community event held in Sunshine on 23 May reportedly captures the incident, showing Guy and Deeming seated together at a crowded function.
Victoria Police issued a statement confirming the investigation:
"The woman left the area following the incident and did not require medical attention. The incident was reported to police on 16 June."
"The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police believe the people involved are known to each other."
Australia has learned that Deeming initially raised the allegation within the Liberal Party before reporting it to police. Sources close to Guy indicate he has not yet been interviewed by authorities.
Political Reactions and Party Leadership Response
Opposition leader Jess Wilson refrained from commenting on the matter due to the ongoing police investigation. She stated:
"Like every other Victorian, the parties involved deserve due process, the presumption of innocence and their privacy respected while this is investigated."
"I remain focused on issues that matter to Victorians and earning their trust so our state can have a fresh start in November."
Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny has publicly challenged Wilson to address ten questions concerning the allegations, including whether it is appropriate for a member under police complaint to remain in the party room. Kilkenny also inquired if the matter has been referred to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission.
The commission, established by the Labor government in late 2024 to investigate parliamentary misconduct, declined to confirm if it has received a referral or is conducting an investigation. It emphasized that its approach safeguards procedural fairness and the integrity of its processes.
Premier Jacinta Allan urged Wilson to provide clarity by responding to Kilkenny’s questions, stating:
"These are questions that go to the heart of the leadership of the . 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."
"These are the questions that Jess Wilson, as the leader of the Liberal party, needs to come forward and answer today."
Implications Ahead of State Election
The allegation emerges just five months before the Victorian state election, placing additional pressure on Wilson. Since her appointment as leader in November, she has worked to stabilize the Liberal Party, which has experienced prolonged internal conflict between moderate and conservative factions.
The party also faces a significant challenge from a rising One Nation party, which threatens its prospects of forming a majority government.
Wilson recently commenced a five-week tour across all 88 state electorates to present the Coalition as prepared to govern. She had scheduled media events in Melbourne and regional Victoria on Thursday; however, these are reportedly not proceeding amid the controversy.
