Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming Embroiled in Controversy Over Bankruptcy Proceedings Against John Pesutto

Strategic Insights -

Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has been referred to the state's anti-corruption investigators, Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), over her proposal to delay bankruptcy proceedings against former party leader John Pesutto in exchange for guaranteed pre-selection for next year's election. The move has sparked allegations of corruption and blackmail, with critics arguing that Deeming's actions undermine public confidence in the Liberal Party. At the heart of the dispute is a $2.3 million debt that Deeming incurred while successfully suing Pesutto for defamation over comments he made about her involvement in an anti-trans-rights rally. Pesutto has rejected Deeming's offer, opting instead to seek a loan from the party's administrative committee to avoid a by-election in his electorate.

Key Takeaways:

  • Moira Deeming has been referred to IBAC over her proposal to delay bankruptcy proceedings against John Pesutto in exchange for guaranteed pre-selection.
  • Deeming is pursuing Pesutto over a $2.3 million debt for legal costs, incurred while successfully suing him for defamation over comments made about her involvement in an anti-trans-rights rally.
  • Pesutto has rejected Deeming's offer and is seeking a loan from the party's administrative committee to avoid a by-election in his electorate.
  • Former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett described Deeming's proposal as "most unusual", "disappointing", and "amateurish", and likened it to blackmail.
  • Opposition leader Brad Battin said the situation was frustrating him and refused to comment while the matter was being dealt with internally.
  • Premier Jacinta Allan described the Liberal Party as "dysfunctional" and focused on internal division rather than the Victorian community.

Statistics:

  • $2.3 million: The amount of debt that Moira Deeming is pursuing against John Pesutto for legal costs.
  • 3 years: The term of a proposed loan from New South Wales property developer Hilton Grugeon, which came with a condition that Pesutto not challenge for the Liberal Party's leadership.
  • 1 million: The amount of the loan offer made by Grugeon to Pesutto.
  • 1: The number of complaints lodged with IBAC by Mike Soccio, a member of the public who has no involvement in the dispute.
  • 1: The number of comments made by Premier Jacinta Allan in relation to the Liberal Party's internal divisions.

Sources:

  • Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC)
  • ABC Radio Melbourne
  • The Victorian Government ( Jacinta Allan's comment)
  • The Centre for Public Integrity (Geoffrey Watson SC's comment)