Matthew Guy Seeks Apology from Moira Deeming After Police Clear Him of Assault Allegations
Opposition Leader’s Demand for Apology Follows Closure of Investigation
Matthew Guy demands Moira Deeming apologise – Victoria Police has concluded its inquiry into an allegation that Matthew Guy, a Liberal member of parliament, assaulted Moira Deeming, another Liberal MP, at a Macedonian community event in Sunshine. The decision to close the case, citing “no offence detected,” has prompted Guy to publicly demand an apology from Deeming, Premier Jacinta Allan, and Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny. Speaking outside the state parliament on Friday, Guy expressed frustration over the handling of the case, emphasizing that his personal and professional reputation should not be treated lightly.
“My family name, my reputation is not a political toy. No one’s is. So I want – and my family deserve – those apologies, particularly from Moira Deeming,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “There was no ambiguity. I did not do what was alleged, the CCTV proves this. It did from the start, and Victoria police agree.”
The incident in question occurred on 23 May, when Deeming accused Guy of applying a headlock during the event. She reported the claim to police on 16 June, which led to an investigation. Despite the closure of the case, the allegations have sparked a wave of controversy within the Liberal Party. Deeming, currently overseas, has yet to comment on the outcome.
Victoria Police confirmed the conclusion of their probe on Thursday, following the release of CCTV footage from the event. “It was reported a woman was assaulted by a man at an event,” police stated. “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. Investigators have engaged with the woman who made the report.”
Interestingly, Guy was not questioned as part of the investigation. This omission has fueled his criticism, as he argued that the way allegations against men are handled is unfair. “Every Australian male over 40 seems to be blamed, scapegoated, not believed,” he said. “Now, we’re being thrown under the bus, even by our own government.”
Political Fallout and Leadership Questions
The case has raised broader concerns about accountability within the Liberal Party. Sonya Kilkenny, the attorney general, issued a statement addressing the situation, which included 10 questions for opposition leader Jess Wilson. Among them was a query about whether it was “appropriate for a member of her caucus to be in the party room when they are the subject of a complaint to police.”
“What he has gone through over the past few days will be absolutely devastating for him … and I do think it’s entirely reasonable that he has asked for an apology,” Wilson said at a separate press conference in Mildura. She also mentioned that she had reached out to Deeming, requesting a discussion upon her return to Melbourne. However, she remained focused on supporting Guy and ensuring he receives the necessary backing.
Jacinta Allan, the Premier, framed the questions as central to the party’s leadership. “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,” she said, highlighting the tension within the party. The closure of the investigation has placed additional pressure on Wilson, who has taken on the role of opposition leader since November. Her ability to maintain stability in the Liberal Party, which has faced years of internal conflict, now appears under scrutiny.
Legal and Personal Impact
Matthew Guy’s solicitor, Candice Almeida of Queenie Thompson Laywers, reiterated the personal and professional toll of the allegations. “My client has endured immense harm as a consequence of those claims,” Almeida stated. “He hopes the outcome serves as a reminder that allegations of this nature should be thoroughly investigated before conclusions are drawn. Every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence.”
While Guy’s supporters have rallied behind him, the case has also drawn criticism from within the party. He accused leaders like Allan and Kilkenny of undermining his credibility. “My client’s comments told every Victorian male over 40 they don’t have your back,” Almeida noted. “To Aussie males who are sick of this treatment, who are sick of not being believed, some of us in parliament still have your back. I have your back,” Guy added, underscoring his resolve.
The timing of the allegations—just five months before the upcoming election—has intensified the political implications. Analysts suggest the case could influence voter perceptions of the Liberal Party’s internal cohesion. Wilson, meanwhile, has positioned herself as a defender of Guy, stating that the support for his request for an apology reflects the party’s commitment to fairness.
Despite the police’s findings, the incident has sparked a debate about how allegations are managed in the public eye. Some critics argue that the quick closure of the investigation may have overlooked nuances in the event’s context. Others see it as a necessary step to protect the integrity of the party’s leadership. As the situation unfolds, the Liberal Party will need to balance accountability with the need to maintain unity ahead of the election.
Moira Deeming’s absence from the discussion has not diminished the controversy. Her claim that Guy had placed her in a headlock during the event remains a focal point, even as the police have ruled out any criminal offense. The case serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the party, where personal conflicts can quickly escalate into public scrutiny. With the electoral calendar in motion, the Liberal Party’s ability to navigate such issues will be critical in shaping its narrative.
As the week progresses, the focus remains on the emotional and political fallout for all involved. Guy’s family has reportedly been deeply affected by the allegations, reinforcing his demand for recognition. “Any reasonable and decent person would agree that an apology is due,” he said, his words echoing the sentiments of many who believe the situation warrants a more nuanced approach. The outcome of this episode will likely influence how the party addresses future allegations, both in the media and within its own ranks.
For now, the closure of the investigation marks a pivotal moment in the story. While the police have found no evidence of wrongdoing, the damage to Guy’s reputation and the internal dynamics of the Liberal Party continue to evolve. As the party prepares for the next phase of the political cycle, the incident underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in handling allegations, no matter how serious they may seem.
