Victorian Liberal party in turmoil as MP denies colleague’s accusations of assault

Lead

The Victorian Liberal Party is facing internal upheaval after a female MP accused a male colleague of assaulting her at a community event. The accused MP denies the allegation and is reportedly considering defamation action against his accuser. The incident has thrown the party into turmoil just five months before the state election.

Coverage Comparison

Two news organisations, ABC Australia and The Guardian, have reported on the matter, with both choosing not to name the MPs involved. Both outlets have independently viewed CCTV footage of the incident that has been circulating, and neither reports seeing any visible assault in the vision.

The ABC describes the party as being "in chaos" and says the accusation has "rocked" the Victorian Liberal Party. The Guardian characterises the situation as "turmoil" and focuses on the wider political implications, including questions from the state's attorney general.

Both outlets confirm that Victoria Police are investigating the incident, which was reported on June 16. Police have stated that they believe the people involved are known to each other.

Key Claims

The allegation: A female Victorian Liberal MP has accused a member of her own party room of assaulting her at a community event. The incident was first raised with the party, and later reported to Victoria Police.

The denial and response: The accused MP "vehemently denies" the allegation, according to sources close to him. He is actively considering legal advice to sue his colleague for defamation over the claim. The accused MP insists he has not been approached by police.

CCTV evidence: Both ABC Australia and The Guardian have seen CCTV footage of the MPs interacting at the event. No assault is visible in the vision that has circulated.

Police investigation: Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating reports that a man assaulted a woman at a function last month. A police spokesperson said: "The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police believe the people involved are known to each other." Police also stated that the woman left the area following the incident and did not require medical attention.

Political responses: Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has declined to comment publicly, stating that as the matter is subject to police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment. In a statement, Wilson said: "Like every other Victorian, the parties involved deserve due process, the presumption of innocence and their privacy respected while this is investigated." Wilson emphasised her focus on issues that matter to Victorians, saying she wants the state to have "a fresh start in November."

Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny has, however, called on Wilson to answer questions about the allegations, including 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." Kilkenny also asked whether the matter had been referred to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission, a body established by the Labor government in late 2024.

Perspectives

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson: Wilson has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the allegation due to the ongoing police investigation. She emphasises the importance of due process, presumption of innocence, and privacy for those involved, and says she remains focused on earning the trust of Victorians ahead of the state election.

Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny: Kilkenny, a member of the Labor government, has publicly pressed Wilson to answer questions about the allegations, including the appropriateness of the accused MP remaining in the party room and whether the matter was referred to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission.

The accused MP: Through sources close to him, the accused MP has strongly denied the allegation and is considering defamation action. He maintains he has not been approached by police.

The complainant MP: The female MP has not commented publicly, but has alleged assault and reported the matter to police.

Victoria Police: Police are investigating the incident and have confirmed the people involved are known to each other. They have not named any individuals or provided further details.