Victorian Liberal rebel Moira Deeming has temporarily halted a party move to revoke her endorsement, with the Liberal Party agreeing to delay action until after a court hearing scheduled for July 17. The development came as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson firmly ruled out any path for Deeming to join her party, saying she does not want a person lacking integrity and honesty.
Court Action Derails Party Meeting
The Victorian Liberal Party executive had planned to meet on Friday evening to rescind Deeming's endorsement. However, Deeming launched proceedings in the Supreme Court against party president Brian Loughnane, seeking an injunction to prevent the meeting. After several court appearances, Loughnane's counsel agreed that no action would be taken until after the hearing of Deeming's challenge, which has been set for a one-day trial on July 17.
The Liberal Party later stated: "The Liberal Party of Victoria today requested an expedited hearing of the matter brought by Moira Deeming. This has been granted by the court, and at the request of the court, the State Executive meeting will be adjourned until the matter can be determined."
Distraction for Liberals Ahead of Election
The delay prolongs a damaging row for the Victorian Liberals, distracting the state opposition as it prepares for the November election. Liberal leader Jess Wilson has been conducting an extensive tour of all electorates, but the Deeming saga continues to dominate headlines.
The move to disendorse Deeming stems from her allegation that former leader Matthew Guy assaulted her at a function in May. She reported that Guy touched her while they were trying to hear each other in a noisy venue, but police ruled out any offence, and video evidence did not support her account. Despite the police finding, Deeming has refused to apologise to Guy.
Natural Justice Argument
Deeming's lawyer has indicated she will argue that the Liberal Party must accord her natural justice if it wants to disendorse her. The party contends that she has been accorded this because she was invited to the planned executive meeting. Even if disendorsed, Deeming could still run as an independent, but would not be a Liberal candidate.
Hanson Rules Out One Nation Option
There had been speculation that Deeming might join One Nation, but leader Pauline Hanson was unequivocal in her rejection. "No – don't want her," Hanson told 3AW. "I want a person with integrity and honesty, and I don't see that, and that's why I would not offer her a position with One Nation."
Hanson based her judgement on Deeming's allegations against Guy, noting that no charges were laid and Deeming refused to apologise. "It tells me she’s a person who’s not prepared to admit that they got it wrong and backs away with it," Hanson said.
Poll Shows One Nation Leading
A Redbridge Victorian poll published in the Australian Financial Review this week showed One Nation leading on primary votes with 27%, while Labor and the Coalition each polled 26%.
