Liberal MP Moira Deeming has refused to apologize to Matthew Guy following a police investigation into her claims that he placed her in a headlock. While Deeming’s lawyer, Tim Houweling, conceded she misunderstood the technical definition of the term, he maintains her report to Victoria Police was made honestly and in good faith.
Why is Moira Deeming refusing to apologize?
Deeming’s lawyer issued a statement on Monday denying that the complaint was falsely made. Houweling described any allegations that the report was untrue as “entirely without foundation and highly defamatory.”
The lawyer stated that a decision by police not to pursue charges does not constitute a finding that a complaint was made falsely. He noted that Deeming’s allegations were made “as a matter of last resort” after unsuccessful attempts to resolve the incident through the Liberal Party’s internal processes.
What did the CCTV footage reveal?
The dispute centers on a public dinner held on May 23 at a Macedonian community event. Deeming had accused Guy of assaulting her by placing her in a headlock during the function.
There is a significant discrepancy regarding the visual evidence. The reported CCTV footage showed Guy briefly placing his arm on Deeming’s shoulder as the pair leaned forward to hear each other. However, Houweling claimed the footage showed Guy “pulling her towards him while maintaining a grip around her neck and upper shoulder area.”
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush told 3AW that the video footage was the “decisive evidence” for investigators. He stated that the decision was based on “reality” and “evidence” rather than perception.
What happens next for Deeming within the Liberal Party?
The political fallout for Deeming appears significant. Several senior Liberal figures told The Age that Deeming is now “completely isolated” from the party. These figures suggested the accusation had exhausted the patience of her supporters.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has reiterated that Guy deserves an apology. Wilson has indicated she intends to meet with Deeming in person once she returns from an overseas conference.
Deeming has reportedly accepted an offer to meet with senior Liberals. This meeting is intended to continue working toward an “internal resolution” regarding the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did the police find that an assault occurred?
No. Victoria Police confirmed they found no offense after investigating the complaint and reviewing the video footage. - Why did Moira Deeming use the term “headlock”?
Her lawyer, Tim Houweling, stated that while she accepts she misunderstood the technical meaning of the term, she used it in good faith to describe her perception of the contact. - What is Deeming’s current standing in the Liberal Party?
According to senior Liberal figures speaking to The Age, Deeming is “completely isolated” from the party, though she has agreed to meet with senior officials to seek an internal resolution.
Do you believe a misunderstanding of technical terms should impact political standing?
