Victorian Liberal MP Matthew Guy has demanded a public apology from party colleague Moira Deeming after police concluded there was “no offence detected” following an investigation into allegations he assaulted her at a community event in Melbourne’s west.
Addressing reporters outside Parliament House, the former Victorian Liberal leader emphatically denied the allegations and said CCTV footage had vindicated him. “There is no ambiguity. I did not do what’s alleged,” Guy said.
“The CCTV proves this, it did from the start, and Victoria Police agree.”
Guy said Deeming owed him a public apology and warned he was considering legal action. “Moira Deeming owes me a public apology,” he said.
“I’m owed an apology by the Premier and Attorney-General. They can come to me the honourable and easy way, or a harder way. My wife, my sons, my parents, my brother, my cousins, my family who share my name deserve those apologies as well.”
Victoria Police confirmed late on Thursday that it had completed its investigation after Deeming reported the alleged incident, saying officers had determined there was “no offence detected”.
“Following a thorough investigation, it has been determined there was no offence detected,” a police spokesperson said.
The investigation centred on an interaction between Guy and Deeming at a Macedonian community event in Sunshine on 23 May.
Deeming alleged Guy had placed her in a headlock, while CCTV footage that later emerged appeared to show Guy briefly placing his hand on her back or shoulder while speaking with her in a crowded room.
Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said investigators relied heavily on the available video evidence.
“I think it’s safe to say it’s been explored, the investigation is complete, parties have been advised and we’re moving on.”
Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson backed Guy’s call for an apology, saying she was “devastated” by what her colleague and his family had experienced.
“I’m pleased Victoria Police has concluded the investigation and they found that there is no offence that has been detected,” Wilson told ABC.
“Matthew does deserve an apology, I think that is entirely reasonable that he has asked for that.”
She described Guy as “someone I call a friend” and said she intended to speak with Deeming when she returns from overseas.
Guy also criticised Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, accusing them of prejudging the matter after they questioned the Liberal Party’s handling of the allegations.
He broadened his remarks to argue that men are too often presumed guilty before investigations are completed.
“Every Australian male probably over 40 seems to be blamed, scapegoated, not believed and now thrown under the bus,” Guy said.
“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 was joined by his solicitor, Candice Almeida from Queenie Thompson Laywers, who said: “My client has endured immense personal and professional harm as a consequence of those allegations.”
“He hopes that the outcome serves as a reminder that allegations of this nature should be carefully investigated before conclusions are reached, and that every person is entitled to the presumption of innocence.”
The dispute has reignited tensions within the Victorian Liberal Party just months before the November state election, with internal divisions again threatening to overshadow the Coalition’s campaign.
Deeming has not publicly commented since police closed the investigation.
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