Overview

• Moira Deeming has been referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission over her proposal to delay John Pesutto’s $2.3 million defamation debt in exchange for a guaranteed 2026 preselection.
• John Pesutto risks expulsion from the Victorian parliament by June 27 if he fails to pay the court-ordered legal costs awarded to Deeming after a Federal Court defamation ruling.
• The Liberal Party’s administrative committee will vote on June 19 on a $1.5 million loan from its investment arm, Vapold, to help Pesutto settle the remaining debt and avoid a costly Hawthorn by-election.
• Under the proposed loan, Pesutto would use his superannuation as collateral and commit to a long-term repayment schedule with commercial interest and ongoing fundraising proceeds directed toward the debt.
• Deeming’s own preselection for the 2026 state election is under threat as local branches prepare to challenge her candidacy amid deepening party divisions.