Liberal Party Votes to Re-instate MP Moira Deeming After Defamation Damages

The Liberal Party has made a significant U-turn, unanimously voting to reinstate MP Moira Deeming. This decision comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve internal conflicts following a federal court ruling that required significant compensation for defamation.

pesutto, a key figure in the party, delivered a public statement apologizing to Deeming, who was previously ordered by a Federal Court to pay $300,000 in damages for false accusations labeling her as having knowingly associated with neo-Nazis.

Party Resolves to Move Forward

“It has become clear that there is now a definite absolute majority of colleagues who want this issue resolved with Mrs Deeming’s readmission so that we can collectively put this behind us and concentrate on the Prahran and Werribee byelections and holding the Allan Labor government to account,” Pesutto explained.

Pesutto’s statement continued, “I again apologise to Mrs Deeming as we all work together to ensure the Liberal Party succeeds in winning government in November 2026.”

The motion calling for Deeming’s immediate readmission was also accompanied by a request for a thorough “code of conduct” to govern the behavior of all members of the parliamentary Liberal Party, reflecting the party’s commitment to internal reform.

Stunning Turnaround

This move represents a stunning reversal for Pesutto, who had initially sought to expel Deeming from his party room in March 2023. After a two-month debate, Deeming was voted out of the room.

The January 15 meeting was pivotal, with Pesutto introducing the motion to reinstate Deeming. However, the vote concluded in a 14-all deadlock, and Pesutto used his casting vote to rule against her readmission, declaring the matter resolved.

Following this vote, Pesutto was approached by key party supporters, including finance spokeswoman Jess Wilson, shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell, and shadow Attorney-General Michael O’Brien, who urged him to reconsider his position.

Leadership Dynamics Shift

Underlying tensions within the party were further magnified by a proposal for a new leadership ticket featuring Battin and Wilson. This plan aimed to unify the left and right factions of the party.

However, disagreements erupted, particularly over who would take the deputy leadership role, with Battin’s camp considering a leadership spill that could circumvent Wilson’s supporters.

Pesutto stated he was determined to contest the vote, even willing to offer Deeming an apology in person.

Deeming’s Perspective

A source informed that an intermediary had reached out to Deeming, though no direct contact had been established. It seemed unlikely that Deeming would accept Pesutto’s previous apologies.

The internal turmoil was reignited by the recent 250-page defamation judgment, which harshly criticized Pesutto during his testimony and found him guilty of causing significant injury to Deeming’s reputation by falsely implying her neo-Nazi associations.

Deeming expressed deep disappointment with the party room vote. However, she remained confident that an apology from Pesutto would lead to her reinstatement.

Next Steps for the Liberal Party

The Liberal Party’s unanimous vote to reinstate MP Moira Deeming marks the beginning of a critical period of internal healing and strategic planning. With upcoming elections and a streamlined party leadership, the focus now shifts to building a cohesive team capable of representing the party’s interests effectively.

The reinstatement of Deeming signals the party’s acknowledgment of the importance of unity and equality within its ranks. As the Liberal Party prepares for the legislative and electoral challenges ahead, this historic vote underscores the party’s commitment to addressing internal conflicts and moving forward collectively.

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