An eight-minute meeting at a suburban business park in Melbourne’s west last month has become a focal point in the ongoing internal conflict within the Victorian Liberal party.
Preselection Dispute
The Laverton branch convened to vote for delegates who will determine whether current upper house MP Moira Deeming will be able to run for the party again in the November state election. Supporters of Deeming allege they were given an incorrect address for the 5pm meeting and consequently arrived at the wrong location.
Those arriving after 5:01pm were reportedly told they could not participate. One member who was locked out claimed the meeting was “a fix” and the outcome was predetermined. However, three senior Liberal sources stated Deeming’s supporters were simply late and that she lacks the votes to win the preselection regardless.
An internal tally shows Deeming’s challenger, Dinesh Gourisetty, currently holds a significant lead. Fifteen votes remain undecided, including 14 from members across metropolitan Melbourne who have been heavily lobbied in recent weeks.
Divisions Within the Party
The dispute has highlighted existing divisions within the Liberal party. Detractors circulated a photograph from a 2024 fundraiser showing Deeming alongside Mick Gatto, described as an alleged Melbourne underworld figure. Meanwhile, prominent conservatives, including Peta Credlin, have publicly supported Deeming.
Credlin described Deeming as someone who can unite various groups, including social conservatives and migrant communities, and praised her “tenacious” and “fearless” character, referencing her previous “period of persecution” which included being expelled from the Liberal party room after threatening legal action against a former leader, John Pesutto. Deeming ultimately won that legal fight.
Deeming has raised concerns about several branch meetings, alleging doors were closed prematurely and ID checks were not performed. Liberal state director Alyson Hannam responded that all matters were considered within the party’s constitution and based on evidence received. Deeming then shared the correspondence with the entire state executive, potentially signaling legal action.
The One Nation Factor
Opposition leader Jess Wilson plans to vote for all sitting MPs in the preselection ballots and has written a reference letter for Deeming, describing her as an “articulate and effective advocate.” However, recent polling suggests One Nation could pose a significant challenge to the Coalition, with their support increasing to 24% whereas the Coalition’s has dropped to 28%.
There is concern within the Liberal party that Deeming could defect to One Nation if she loses preselection. While her supporters deny this, some Liberal MPs believe We see a possibility, and estimate that a quarter of active members could follow her.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is at stake in this preselection battle?
The preselection will determine whether Moira Deeming can run for the Victorian Liberals in the November state election.
What are the main points of contention?
Disagreement centers on whether Deeming’s supporters were unfairly prevented from participating in the Laverton branch meeting, and whether the outcome was predetermined.
What role could One Nation play in this situation?
There is concern that if Deeming loses preselection, she and a portion of her supporters may defect to One Nation, potentially harming the Liberal party’s chances in the election.
How will these internal divisions impact the Victorian Liberal party’s prospects in the upcoming state election?
