Liberal MP Moira Deeming Removed from Upper House Ticket After Turbulent Series of Events
A series of events involving Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has resulted in her removal from the party's upper house ticket for the upcoming state election. The sequence includes an assault allegation against a colleague, a police investigation that found no offence, and a subsequent preselection contest at which she was defeated.
Assault Allegation and Police Investigation
The Incident
On May 23, 2026, an interaction occurred between Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming and former Liberal leader Matthew Guy at a Macedonian community event held at the Sheldon Reception ballroom in Sunshine West. Deeming alleged that Guy placed her in a headlock. Guy denied the allegation.
CCTV footage from the venue shows Guy placing his right arm across Deeming's shoulder as they leaned in to speak in a crowded room. Deeming later stated through her lawyer that she misunderstood the technical meaning of the term "headlock" but maintained the physical contact was unexpected, unwelcome, physically painful, and caused fear and confusion, exacerbated by her history of being a victim of rape and sexual abuse and having PTSD.
"The physical contact was unexpected, unwelcome, physically painful, and caused fear and confusion." – Statement via Deeming's lawyer
Police Investigation
Deeming reported the matter to Victoria Police on June 16, 2026. On June 26, Victoria Police announced they had concluded their investigation and determined no offence was detected. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated the decision was based on evidence, including the video footage.
Reactions
- Matthew Guy: Denied wrongdoing and demanded a public apology from Deeming, stating the CCTV footage proves he did not commit the alleged act. He also indicated he is considering legal advice regarding defamation action.
- Opposition Leader Jess Wilson: Supported Guy's request for an apology and stated she would discuss the matter with Deeming upon her return from an overseas conference. Wilson said her office handled the matter appropriately.
- Moira Deeming: Through her lawyer, stated she will not apologize for making the complaint, which she rejects as false or defamatory. She expressed regret that the matter became public and accepted an offer to meet with senior Liberals for internal resolution.
Party Status and Preselection
Background
Deeming was first elected in 2022. In March 2023, she attended an anti-trans-rights rally on the steps of the Victorian Parliament that was attended by neo-Nazis. She was suspended and later expelled from the parliamentary Liberal Party after threatening defamation action against then-leader John Pesutto.
In December 2024, Deeming won a defamation case against Pesutto, with a court finding he had defamed her by implying association or sympathy with Nazis. She was readmitted to the party room in late 2024.
Preselection Contest
Deeming faced a preselection challenge for the No. 1 position on the Liberal Party's upper house ticket in the Western Metropolitan Region. On Sunday, July 27, 2026, a convention of party delegates selected Dinesh Gourisetty for the top position. According to reports, Gourisetty received 39 votes, Deeming received 26, and fellow incumbent MP Trung Luu received three. Luu retained the second position on the ballot.
Gourisetty's Withdrawal
Shortly after the preselection, it emerged that Gourisetty had provided a character reference for Kashyap Patel, who pleaded guilty in 2024 to grooming and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated Gourisetty was not welcome on her team. Gourisetty stated he was unaware Patel would plead guilty at the time of writing the reference, condemned Patel's actions, and expressed disappointment regarding pressure to withdraw.
The Victorian Liberal Party State Executive resolved to hold a new preselection convention for the position, with Gourisetty declared ineligible to participate.
Party President's Statement
Victorian Liberal Party President Phil Davis stated he accepts ultimate responsibility for the vetting failure but suggested certain party members intentionally withheld and released the information to cause maximum damage. Davis warned against the party adopting policies similar to One Nation, urging internal factions to reconcile to support Opposition Leader Jess Wilson ahead of the November state election.
"I accept ultimate responsibility for the vetting failure, but certain party members intentionally withheld and released this information to cause maximum damage." – Phil Davis, Victorian Liberal Party President
Deeming's Current Status
Deeming's preselection as a candidate for the November state election has been revoked following her defeat in the ballot and subsequent events. Speculation has emerged regarding her potential defection to another political party such as One Nation or the Libertarians. The outcome of the new preselection convention will determine the party's candidate for the Western Metropolitan Region.
Ongoing Party Matters
The Victorian Liberal Party is dealing with a separate Supreme Court case involving a party-approved loan to former leader John Pesutto to cover legal costs owed to Deeming following her defamation case. Six state executive members are contesting the loan's legitimacy.