Deeming’s Bid to Rejoin Liberal Partyroom Rejected Despite Defamation Case Victory

Independent MP Moira Deeming (centre) speaks to media outside the Federal Court of Australia in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 12, 2024. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The push to readmit Moira Deeming to Victoria’s Liberal partyroom has failed after a close vote.

On Dec. 20, Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto used his chair vote to break a 14-14 deadlock.

The ballot on Deeming rejoining the partyroom comes after she won a high profile defamation case against Pesutto on Dec. 12.

‘This Concludes the Matter’: Pesutto

Speaking to the media following the vote, Pesutto said the vote took place after a “long and very civil discussion” between members.

“This concludes the matter of the membership or otherwise of the parliamentary party, and as oppostion leader, and as alternative premier, our focus now is on holding the Allan Labor government to account,” he told reporters.

“And that includes its new ministry, but also focussing on the by-elections we have in Prahran.”  

Pesutto said he did use his casting vote as leader to vote the motion down, but noted an absolute majority of 16 would have been required.

Asked if his leadership had been weakened following the close ballot, Pesutto said, “No I don’t believe so.”

However, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the result “shameful” in a post to X.

“A shameful result from the Victorian Liberal party room. How can someone elected as a Liberal be expelled on the basis of a lie and not be readmitted once the truth is there for all to see? Especially right before Christmas, the season of goodwill, this is a truly contemptible,” he said.

Despite the public fallout of the case, polling indicates Pesutto has steadily gained ground in popularity against Premier Jacinta Allen, notably due to his focus on crime and cost of living.

What Did the Court Find?

Deeming was awarded $300,000 in damages in a judgement handed down in the Federal Court of Australia on Dec. 12.

She argued that Pesutto had defamed her on numerous occasions by alleging she was a “Nazi” or “Nazi associate” after she spoke at a women’s rights event in Melbourne

The “Let Women Speak” rally was gatecrashed by a group of men dressed in black, who performed Nazi salutes. Deeming was later expelled from the party.

Deeming has always maintained she had nothing to do with the group.

Pesutto pledged three defences in the case with Deeming: that his comments were in the public interest, was honest opinion, or was in the contextual truth.

But Justice David O'Callaghan said Pesutto’s defences failed.

Following the ruling, Deeming said she would continue to fight for the rights of parents, women, and children.

“I am grateful to God for this outcome, to the Court for its careful and prompt consideration of my case and to my lawyers whose dedication, expertise and integrity is unmatched,” she said in a statement.

“The judge found that I was defamed in five separate publications and that each of those also caused serious harm to my reputation. Every single one of Mr. Pesutto’s defences, failed.”

At the time, Deeming thanked everyone who stood by and defended her, despite personal and political differences and regardless of the cost, including Liberal Party members.

“I am pleased with this result and relieved to have been vindicated. It has been an incredibly tough 22 months for me and my family but I can now start to move forward with the judgment today clearing my name,” she said.

Labor Appoints Majority Female Cabinet

Meanwhile, the Victorian Labor Party also announced multiple changes to its cabinet on Dec. 19 following the resignation of Treasurer Tim Pallas. The cabinet will be dominated by women, with 15 out of 23 cabinet positions.

Victoria’s first female treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, was selected, while Sonya Kilkenny will take on the role of attorney-general, and Vicki Ward will become the emergency services minister.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the changes back her priorities as the state’s leader, focusing on building more homes, helping busy families, and creating more jobs.

“This is the strong and focused team that will lead our state to 2026, delivering on the issues that matter to Victorian families,” she said. 

Crystal-Rose Jones contributed to this report.