Victorian Liberal Party in Crisis: Internal Turmoil Erupts Ahead of State Election
The Victorian Liberal Party is navigating a period of significant internal upheaval in the lead-up to the November state election. The party has been dealing with a contentious preselection process, a candidate vetting failure, internal factional disputes, and an allegation of assault against a former leader. Key events involve the replacement and subsequent withdrawal of a candidate for the Western Metropolitan Region seat, a failed vetting process, and a police investigation into a complaint made by a sitting MP.
Preselection and Candidate Withdrawal
On a recent Sunday, party members convened at the party headquarters to preselect candidates for the Western Metropolitan Region upper house seat. Sitting MP Moira Deeming was challenged for the number one position by Dinesh Gourisetty, a businessman. According to internal tallies, Mr. Gourisetty secured 39 votes, Ms. Deeming received 26, and incumbent MP Trung Luu received three votes. Trung Luu was subsequently placed in the second position on the ballot.
Shortly after the vote, an email was circulated to the party's executive committee revealing that Mr. Gourisetty had provided a character reference for Kashyap Patel, who pleaded guilty in August 2024 to grooming and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. In a letter, Mr. Gourisetty stated he was unaware his friend would plead guilty and believed he was contesting the charges. He condemned Mr. Patel's actions and noted the character reference was drafted by a lawyer.
"Mr. Gourisetty would not be welcome in the party room," Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated, effectively ending his candidacy.
Party President Philip Davis informed the executive committee that Mr. Gourisetty had agreed to withdraw. The State Executive subsequently resolved to hold a new preselection convention for the top position and declared Mr. Gourisetty ineligible to contest it.
Candidate Vetting Process Failure
The party's standard preselection process requires candidates to pay a fee, complete a questionnaire, undergo an interview, and submit to background checks by an external consultant. Mr. Gourisetty's involvement in the character reference was not identified during this process.
Party President Philip Davis accepted ultimate responsibility for the vetting failure. He suggested that some party members may have intentionally withheld the information to cause maximum damage. Mr. Davis announced that changes to the party's vetting procedures would be made. Some members of the state executive, including Colleen Harkin and Marcus Li, have called for Mr. Davis's resignation.
"Some party members may have intentionally withheld the information to cause maximum damage," Davis said, accepting responsibility for the failure.
Internal Factional Disputes
The controversy is unfolding against a backdrop of ongoing internal party disputes. These disputes include a Supreme Court challenge initiated by state executive members, including Ms. Harkin, regarding the legitimacy of a $1.55 million party-approved loan to former leader John Pesutto. This loan was provided to cover legal costs owed to Ms. Deeming following a defamation case she won against him.
Party President Philip Davis has warned against the party adopting policies similar to those of One Nation, stating that electoral success in Victoria is achieved from the political center. He rejected a proposal for the Coalition to align with One Nation and called for internal factions to reconcile to support Opposition Leader Jess Wilson. Mr. Davis criticized individuals, including broadcaster Peta Credlin and Colleen Harkin, for what he described as attempts to divide the party.
Assault Allegation and Police Investigation
On June 16, Moira Deeming made a formal complaint to Victoria Police, alleging that former party leader Matthew Guy assaulted her by placing her in a headlock at a Macedonian community event on May 23. CCTV footage from the venue shows Mr. Guy placing his arm across Ms. Deeming's shoulder as they spoke in a noisy room. The footage does not appear to show a violent headlock.
"The woman left the area without requiring medical attention," Victoria Police confirmed, as they investigate the allegation.
Ms. Deeming had previously rejected three options offered by Opposition Leader Jess Wilson's office for handling the matter—a police complaint, a complaint to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards Commission, or an internal party process—and opted to report the incident to the police. Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating the allegation and stated that the woman left the area without requiring medical attention.
Mr. Guy has denied any wrongdoing and stated that Ms. Deeming did not raise concerns at the dinner. He is reportedly considering legal advice regarding a defamation suit. Multiple Liberal MPs have expressed support for Mr. Guy, with some stating they believe the CCTV footage exonerates him. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson stated that the parties involved deserve due process, the presumption of innocence, and their privacy respected.
Other Preselection Results
In other preselection contests:
- Bev McArthur retained the top spot for the Western Victoria region, with Graham Watt in the second position.
- Renee Heath retained the top position for the Eastern Victoria region, fending off a challenge from Sue Smethurst.
- Ann-Marie Hermans was placed in the second position for the South-Eastern Metropolitan region, with Phillip Pease securing the top spot.