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Dramatic meeting last night sees former Victorian Liberal leader leave with $1.5m loan
There was a dramatic meeting of the Victorian Liberals’ 19-member administrative committee last night at which they decided to give former leader John Pesutto a $1.5m loan so he can pay off his legal debt to Moira Deeming.
You will have no doubt seen media commentary about the member for Hawthorn’s request of the party to assist him in meeting the costs order by the federal court in the Deeming v Pesutto defamation matter.
The party’s administrative committee met this evening and resolved that Moira Deeming should be paid what is owed to her, and therefore the party will contribute $1.55 million directly to Mrs Deeming.
Mr Pesutto will be required to re-pay this amount to the party on a commercial loan basis, with a market-based interest rate, ensuring that the Party earns additional income from this investment.
Settling this matter once and for all is in the interests of the party, as it will see an end to the ongoing commentary that is letting Labor get away with their appalling performance.
By ensuring that Mrs Deeming has been paid, there will be no Hawthorn by-election, and the state parliamentary team can focus on the urgent needs of the Victorian community, particularly campaigning to change the government at the 2026 Election.
Victorians need a change of government. By ensuring that Mrs Deeming gets paid what she is owed, the Party will be stronger as we head towards November 2026.