Wed Sep 25 07:18:42 UTC 2024: ## Victorian Liberal Party Leader Grilled in Court Over Expulsion of MP
**Melbourne, Australia** – Victorian Liberal Party Leader John Pesutto faced a second day of intense cross-examination in the Federal Court on Wednesday as part of a defamation case brought against him by former MP Moira Deeming. The case has exposed deep divisions within the Victorian Liberal Party and has been dubbed a “civil war” by some media outlets.
The focus of Wednesday’s questioning revolved around Pesutto’s decision to expel Deeming from the parliamentary Liberal Party following her attendance at an anti-trans rally that was infiltrated by neo-Nazis. The court heard that Pesutto had shared details of failed settlement negotiations with former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, who is funding part of Pesutto’s legal fees.
Deeming’s barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, questioned Pesutto about his communication with Kennett, including whether he had revealed the names of Liberal Party members who were supporting Deeming in the court case. Pesutto admitted to sharing some names with Kennett, which subsequently appeared in an Australian Financial Review article that identified MPs who were backing Deeming.
Kennett has been vocal in his support for Deeming and has publicly criticized those who he believes have been disloyal to the party. He has also warned that those who oppose Pesutto in the current conflict could face repercussions in pre-selections for the next election.
Pesutto defended his actions, arguing that he was acting to protect the Liberal Party’s reputation and that he was not responsible for any information that Kennett may have shared with the media. He also maintained that Deeming’s association with the anti-trans rally organizers had already damaged her reputation.
The defamation trial, which has been live-streamed online, has revealed internal party dynamics and private communications between Liberal MPs. It is set to continue on Thursday with further evidence from Pesutto.
First Piper 