The Victorian Liberal Party’s decision to dis-endorse Moira Deeming marks the end of one of the most divisive episodes in the party’s recent history. After years of internal conflict, court battles and controversy, the party has chosen to move on. But beyond the political consequences lies a broader issue that affects every Australian: how we respond to allegations of abuse and assault.
Australia is facing a genuine crisis of violence against women. Family, domestic and sexual violence continue to claim lives and devastate families. Governments, police, advocacy organisations and communities have all recognised that this is an epidemic requiring urgent action.
That is why credibility and care are so important when allegations are made.
When a high-profile allegation is later found by police not to be supported by the available evidence, or is significantly revised, it can have consequences beyond the individuals involved. Some people may wrongly use such cases to dismiss or cast doubt on future reports from women who have genuinely experienced abuse or violence. That would be deeply unfair.
The overwhelming majority of sexual assault and domestic violence victims are telling the truth when they come forward, and many never report what happened because they fear they will not be believed. Many advocates also argue that sentences for perpetrators are too often inadequate and fail to provide a meaningful deterrent against violence towards women. Research consistently shows that intentionally false reports of serious offences are uncommon. One controversial case should never be used to undermine the experiences of countless genuine survivors.
At the same time, public figures have a heightened responsibility to ensure that serious allegations are made carefully and accurately. Words matter. Allegations matter. They can profoundly affect the lives and reputations of everyone involved.
Supporting victims means holding two principles at once: taking reports seriously and investigating them fairly, while also respecting due process and the need for evidence. These principles are not in conflict; they are what give the justice system its legitimacy.
As Australia continues to confront the epidemic of violence against women, we should also be asking how to ensure more women have a seat at the decision-making table. Women bring lived experience and perspectives that can help shape stronger prevention strategies, improve victim support, and design policies that better address gendered violence.
This is why debates about women’s representation matter. While Moira Deeming has opposed measures such as gender quotas that are intended to increase women’s participation in politics and leadership, many advocates argue that greater representation of women in positions of influence can lead to more responsive policy on issues such as domestic, family and sexual violence. The conversation should not simply be about who occupies leadership positions, but about ensuring that those responsible for preventing violence against women understand its causes, impacts and the reforms needed to address it.
Political controversies should never become ammunition for those who wish to dismiss the very real experiences of survivors. The goal should always be the same: to ensure every report is taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and that justice is guided by evidence, fairness and compassion, not ideology or political point-scoring.
The fight against violence against women requires trust in our institutions, accountability from our public figures, and a commitment to ensuring women’s voices are heard where decisions are made. Australia cannot afford to move backwards on any of those fronts.
Sources:
- ABC News – *Moira Deeming ousted as Liberal candidate after apology stand-off*
- Disendorsement by the Victorian Liberal Party.
- Matthew Guy allegation.
- Victoria Police finding of “no offence detected.”
- Deeming’s refusal to apologise.
- The Guardian – *Moira Deeming disendorsed as Victorian Liberal party candidate*
- Background on the disendorsement.
- Timeline of the controversy.
- Previous John Pesutto defamation case.
- The Guardian – *Matthew Guy demands Moira Deeming apologise after Victoria police find “no offence detected”*
- Police outcome.
- Matthew Guy’s response.
- Calls for an apology.
Women’s safety and violence
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Family, domestic and sexual violence
- National statistics and trends.
- Government-recognised evidence on violence against women.
- Our Watch
- Australia’s national organisation for preventing violence against women.
- Information on prevention strategies and gender equality.
- ANROWS (Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety)
- Research into domestic, family and sexual violence.
- Evidence on effective prevention and policy.
False reporting and reporting rates
- Australian Institute of Criminology
- Research on sexual assault reporting and criminal justice.
- ANROWS research library
- Research showing most victim-survivors do not report violence.
- Evidence that deliberately false reports of sexual assault are relatively uncommon.
Women’s representation in leadership
- Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA)
- Research on women’s leadership and decision-making.
- UN Women Australia
- Research and advocacy on women’s representation in leadership and policymaking.
Moira Deeming’s policy positions
- Moira Deeming MP – Official website
- Her publicly stated positions on gender quotas, “sex-based rights,” and related policy issues.
