VICTORIA — A female Victorian Liberal Member of Parliament has accused a male colleague from her party room of assault during a community event. Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating reports that a man assaulted a woman at a function last month.

Sources close to the accused MP stated he denies the allegation and is considering legal action for defamation against his colleague. The woman first approached the Liberal party with the allegation before taking the matter to police. Victoria Police said, "The incident was reported to police on 16 June." They added, "The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police believe the people involved are known to each other." Police also stated, "The woman left the area following the incident and did not require medical attention."

Victorian Attorney General Sonya Kilkenny stated that Liberal leader Jess Wilson must answer 10 questions regarding the allegations. Kilkenny asked whether it is appropriate for a member of the Liberal caucus to be in the party room when they are the subject of a complaint to police. She also asked whether the matter had been referred to the Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission.

Premier Jacinta Allan stated that Wilson could provide certainty and clarity by answering Kilkenny's questions. Allan said, "These are questions that go to the heart of the leadership of the Liberal party." She added, "They go to allegations of very serious matters about an alleged assault by one Liberal party member of parliament against a colleague in their party room."

Wilson was appointed leader of the Victorian Liberal party in November. She had embarked on a five-week tour of each of the state's 88 electorates last week. Wilson said, "Like every other Victorian, the parties involved deserve due process, the presumption of innocence and their privacy respected while this is investigated." She added, "I remain focused on issues that matter to Victorians and earning their trust so our state can have a fresh start in November."

The Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission, established by the Labor government in late 2024 to investigate allegations of misconduct involving members of parliament, stated it would not say whether it had received a referral or if it was investigating.