Liam McNally
Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming has survived expulsion from the Victorian Liberal party, but faces a nine-month suspension and the loss of her position as party whip.
The decision was made at a a party room meeting on Monday, March 27, a week after opposition leader John Pesuttoto announced he would move to expel the former Melton councillor from the party following her involvement in organising a controversial rally on Saturday, March 18.
The rally, Let Women Speak, was hosted by UK anti-trans campaigner Kelly-Jay Keen-Minshull, along with Ms Deeming, Angie Jones, and Katherine Deves and was attended by about 30 Neo-Nazis.
Ms Deeming condemned the Neo-Nazi presence after the event, but Mr Pesutto’s primary concern was Ms Deeming associating with Ms Keen-Minshull, who he accused of having connections with far-right extremists including Neo-Nazis.
After the Monday Meeting Mr Pesutto said he was “satisfied“ with her address to the party room.
“She made clear to the party room today that she has a lot to learn on these things,“ he said.
Mr Pesutto said the compromise required Ms Deeming to condemn alleged evidence of extremism by Ms Keen-Minshull and Ms Jones in a dossier complied last week, which he said she has done.
Since the rally, the government has indicated it will formally ban the Nazi salute, expanding on the swastika-banning anti-vilification laws that came into effect last year, which Mr Pesutto and Ms Deeming have voiced support for.
“There needs to be reasonable limitations on free speech, and anything, whether it’s a salute or a symbol that has the potential to incite violence,” Mr Pesutto said.
“We’ve taken a big strong step today … it was important to deal with this issue now, and we have.“
