Former Australian tennis star Sam Groth has stepped down from the Victorian state opposition frontbench, pointing out Liberal leader John Pesutto’s refusal to quit in light of the Federal Court decision on Dec. 12.
Justice David O’Callaghan found Pesutto defamed former Liberal MP Moira Deeming on five occasions after the Let Women Speak rally she helped organise on March 18 last year, which was interrupted by a group of neo-Nazis.
Pesutto subsequently faced calls to resign from Liberal colleagues, including former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
But he told reporters he wanted to continue advocating for the Victorian people.
“I’ve always been a fighter, and I’ve always been a fighter for the right reasons and the … Victorian people, and that is why I will continue in this role,” he said after the decision on Dec. 12.
Groth went on the record saying he could not continue in his role as shadow minister for tourism, sport, and events while Pesutto was the Liberals’ leader.
But he said he would continue to represent the needs of his people in his electorate of Nepean.
“At all times in my life, both professional and personally, I have believed in acting with integrity,” he said in a statement on Dec. 13.
“It is with regret that, following yesterday’s Federal Court judgment against John Pesutto and his subsequent decision to remain as Liberal leader, I have decided to resign from his front bench.
“In good conscience, I can no longer continue to serve in this role.”
Groth said switching parties never entered his mind, despite his apparent disappointment with Pesutto remaining the Liberal leader.
“My loyalty remains with the members of the Liberal Party, the people of my electorate of Nepean and all Victorians,” he said.
“I will continue to represent them and work alongside my colleagues to develop the vision and policies we will take to the election in November 2026.
“I will be making no further public comment at this time.”
Challengers For Leadership
Justice O’Callaghan said Pesutto defamed Deeming in a media release, two radio interviews, a press conference, and in a party expulsion motion following the rally.Pesutto said he was “very disappointed” about the court’s decision, but he respected the outcome and added the judge made no adverse findings about his credibility.
On Dec. 13, it emerged that Groth and fellow Liberal ministers Brad Battin, James Newbury, and Jess Wilson could be possible challengers to Pesutto’s leadership.
There was speculation a challenger could emerge before Christmas.
Minister for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, was also critical of her leader, reiterating the fact that all five claims of defamation made by Deeming were validated by the judge and damages were awarded.
She added that he needed to apologise to Deeming, who now sits as an independent Liberal MP.
It wasn’t all negativity from Liberal ministers towards Pesutto, with backbench MP Wayne Farnham saying his leader’s approval ratings continued to go up.
He added the Deeming case was insignificant in the minds of voters compared to its net state debt, which is expected to be $187.3 billion by 2028.
Pesutto is now facing a $300,000 damages bill, while legal costs are estimated to be well over $1.5 million.
Former Victoria Premier Jeff Kennett, an ally of Pesutto, said the Federal Court decision was made and it was now time for the Liberal Party to move on and focus on defeating their Labor opponents in two years.
He added if there were ministers saying Pesutto should resign, then they should come forward and put their names on the record.
Deeming said she was “grateful to God” for her legal victory, which she described as a vindication, adding that she expected to be allowed back into the Liberal Party room.
Abbott supported her on his X account.
“Moira Deeming has been vindicated by the Federal Court,” he wrote.
“No Liberal should ever be in trouble for standing up for the rights of women and girls.
No Such Division Among Nationals
Meanwhile, the Victorian National Party stands united.Its leader, Peter Walsh, stepped down as leader of the party and deputy leader of the Coalition last month.
But he will continue working as the Member for Murray Plains.
Walsh dedicated the past 22 years to serving regional and rural Victoria since 2002—first winning the seat of Swan Hill and then the new seat of Murray Plains following a redistribution in 2014.
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien has taken over as leader of the Victorian Nationals.
Member for Gippsland, Tim Bull, thanked Walsh for his leadership.
“[Walsh is] a great leader and good mate of mine,” Bull told The Epoch Times.
“The job has been taken over by another good mate of mine, but Walshy’s been a warhorse for rural and regional Victoria fighting the good fight.
“Nothing but respect and admiration for him.
“The one thing we’ve got going with the Nats is that we’re a very united party. We’re tight.
“We will continue to work as we have been, and hopefully in two years we’ll get the great privilege of being able to govern for Victoria.”
