Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto has lost his legal battle against former Liberal MP Moira Deeming, with a judge ruling that he defamed her.
The decision, handed down by Justice David O’Callaghan in the Federal Court this morning, followed a three-and-a-half-week trial in September. The judge awarded Deeming $300,000 in damages.
Pesutto, responding to the judgment, rejected claims that he had been evasive during his testimony. At a press conference, he acknowledged the court’s decision, expressing disappointment on a personal level, but emphasized that the judge found he had acted honestly throughout the case. “I’m comfortable that the judge did not make adverse findings about my credibility,” he said.
Pesutto added that the matter is now closed and reiterated his commitment to leading the Victorian Liberal Party in its quest to provide an alternative to the state’s current Labor government. He highlighted the progress his party has made since he assumed leadership two years ago, noting that the public is increasingly viewing the Liberals as the better option. “As a team, we’ve been holding the Allan Labor government accountable for its financial mismanagement while outlining our vision for a better Victoria,” he said.
When asked about Deeming’s potential return to the party, Pesutto stated that any such decision would be made by the party itself.
In response, Moira Deeming expressed gratitude for the court’s decision. “I am grateful to God for this outcome,” she said in a statement, thanking the court for its “careful and prompt consideration” of her case. She also praised her legal team for their dedication and expertise.
At a separate press conference in Parliament, Deeming said she expected to be welcomed back into the Liberal Party.
