Victoria police have closed their investigation into an allegation by Liberal MP Moira Deeming that her colleague Matthew Guy assaulted her, determining that “no offence detected”. The finding was announced on Thursday night, bringing an end to a probe that had cast a shadow over the state Liberal party.
Deeming reported to police on 16 June that Guy, the opposition’s public transport spokesperson, had assaulted her at a Macedonian community event in Sunshine on 23 May. The incident was alleged to have occurred at a function venue on Sommerville Road in Sunshine West.
Police Investigation and Findings
In a statement issued late on Thursday, Victoria police said they had “concluded an investigation following reports of an assault at a function venue on Sommerville Road in Sunshine West on 23 May.” The statement noted that “it was reported a woman was assaulted by a man at an event,” but that “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,” police said. “Investigators have engaged with the woman who made the report.”
The police investigation included reviewing CCTV footage of the interaction between Guy and Deeming at the event. The footage, which was published by media outlets, showed a brief exchange but did not appear to capture any physical altercation.
Responses from Those Involved
Sources close to Guy on Thursday said he vehemently denied the allegation and was considering a defamation legal action against Deeming. In comments to the Age published on Friday, Guy stated: “These claims were ridiculous and unsubstantiated, just as the police found.”
Deeming has not publicly commented on the police finding. Her original report to police alleged an assault, but she did not require medical attention.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The opposition leader, Jess Wilson, had refused to comment on the allegations while the investigation was under way. On Thursday, she issued a statement saying: “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.”
Wilson was expected to hold a press conference in Mildura on Friday, where she may face questions about the incident and its impact on the Liberal party’s unity ahead of the state election.
The allegation has deepened divisions within the Victorian Liberal party, which has been grappling with internal tensions and a challenging electoral landscape. Deeming had previously been a vocal critic of party leadership and was involved in a separate controversy over the conduct of a fellow MP.
With the police investigation concluded, attention now turns to potential legal proceedings. Guy’s consideration of defamation action could prolong the dispute, while Deeming has not indicated whether she will pursue further action.
