Moira Deeming, a suspended Victorian MP, has announced defamation proceedings against Victorian Liberal Leader John Pesutto. She asserts that the false accusation of being a Nazi sympathizer had caused “enormous harm” to her and her family. These allegations stem from her expulsion from the Liberal parliamentary team for speaking at the “Let Women Speak” rally, which was marred by violence and Nazi salutes from a small group of masked men.
John Pesutto led an effort to expel Deeming and accused her of having an association with neo-Nazis and being a “discredit on the Parliament.” He compiled and distributed a 15-page evidence dossier to the parliamentary team, the public, and the media. Deeming is seeking a public apology from Pesutto, reinstatement to the party, and financial restoration, arguing that the dossier of evidence was false.
After failed attempts at mediation between Deeming and Pesutto, she is now taking legal action, seeking resolution in the Australian Federal Court. Pesutto, on the other hand, states that her suspension and expulsion were never about her views on women’s issues, emphasizing the issue of whether she distanced herself from neo-Nazi protesters when asked to do so by senior Liberals.
Deeming rejects knowledge and involvement with the neo-Nazi protesters and maintains that her expulsion was a result of refusing to denounce the “Let Women Speak” rally and its organizers as extremists and Nazi associates. She also vows not to use Liberal Party or taxpayer money to fund her legal bill.
Mr. Pesutto has denied directly accusing Deeming of being a Nazi, asserting that she was “guilty by association with persons, who were themselves guilty by association with neo-Nazism.” Attempts to resolve the matter within the party have been unsuccessful. Deeming issued defamation concern notices to Pesutto and has now taken the step of pursuing legal action after deadlines to exonerate her were missed.