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Pesutto Cops Huge $2.3m Defamation Bill

In December 2023, Justice David O'Callaghan of the Federal Court determined that John Pesutto, who previously led the Victorian Liberal Party, had defamed Moira Deeming, a first-term MP, by suggesting her involvement with neo-Nazis at a rally in Melbourne.
The defamation case arose after Deeming attended the March 2023 Let Women Speak rally in Melbourne, which was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis, prompting Pesutto's public allegations against her.
Justice O'Callaghan ordered Pesutto to pay $315,000 in damages and Deeming's legal costs, which senior registrar Alison Legge calculated at over $2.3 million, raising concerns about his ability to pay.
Pesutto has sought loans from Liberal Party backers, including discussions with the multimillion-dollar Cormack Foundation, but no agreement has been reached amid fears of possible bankruptcy and parliamentary disqualification.
The ruling risks forcing Pesutto out of Victorian parliament due to bankruptcy provisions, potentially triggering a by-election in Hawthorn, while party figures express cautious hope for his political future.

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Pesutto cops huge $2.3m defamation bill

Former Liberal leader John Pesutto has been ordered to pay $2.3m in the fallout from the Moira Deeming defamation battle.

17 hours ago

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SBS News

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Why a former Liberal leader's defamation case could lead to a by-election

John Pesutto has been ordered to pay $2.3 million in costs incurred by Moira Deeming in her defamation suit against him, leading to speculation the bill could leave him bankrupt.

20 hours ago·Sydney, Australia

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The Epoch Times

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Pesutto Ordered to Pay $2.3 Million in Defamation Costs, Risks Losing Seat

The Victorian Liberal Party faces the prospect of losing a seat and former leader, John Pesutto, if he is bankrupted trying to pay a $2.3 million penalty after losing his defamation case brought by Moria Deeming. Deeming is a Liberal Party member of the state’s Legislative Council, she filed a defamation case against Pesutto after he made remarks about her attending a women’s rights rally called, “Let Women Speak,” that featured internationally …

22 hours ago·New York, United States

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Herald Sun

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Pesutto ordered to pay $2.3m to Deeming, political future in doubt

Subscribe to the Herald Sun to get unrestricted digital access, home paper delivery, Foxsports.com.au subscription, Apps for iPad and Android and much more...

23 hours ago·Melbourne, Australia

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