Defamation Fallout: Sam Groth MP Resigns from Frontbench

In a recent judgement the Federal Court of Australia has ordered Victorian Liberal Leader John Pesutto to pay $300,000 in damages to expelled party MP Moira Deeming after deciding in her favour in a defamation case that she brought against Mr Pesutto.

The decision has intensified speculation over Pesutto’s leadership and exposed the deepening divisions within the Victorian Liberal Party—divisions that many argue have been instrumental in their prolonged time in opposition.

*Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has resigned from the state opposition’s frontbench, citing a Federal Court judgment against Liberal Opposition leader John Pesutto as the reason.*

In a statement on Friday 13, Mr. Groth said:

“I can, in good conscience, no longer continue to serve in my role.”

“My loyalty remains with the members of the Liberal Party, the people of my electorate of Nepean, and all Victorians. I will continue to represent them and work alongside my colleagues to develop the vision and policies we will take to the election in November 2026.”

The Federal Court of Australia has ordered Victorian Liberal Leader John Pesutto (right) to pay $300,000 in damages to expelled party MP Moira Deeming (left) after deciding in her favour in a defamation case she brought against him over claims she was portrayed as a Nazi sympathiser.

Groth’s resignation follows Federal Court Judge David O’Callaghan’s ruling that Mr. Pesutto defamed exiled MP Moira Deeming after an anti-trans-rights rally last year, which was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis.

Calls for Unity Amid Support and Criticism

The resignation has drawn mixed reactions from within the Liberal Party. The ABC News has reported that some members of the Liberal Party have dismissed it as a stunt, with one senior MP criticizing Groth for notifying the media before his colleagues. The ABC News report goes on to note that others have praised his stand, including one MP saying, “Good on him,” and another predicting that more resignations could follow, prolonging the party’s internal struggles.

While Pesutto retains support from prominent figures like former Liberal premiers Jeff Kennett and Ted Baillieu, calls for a leadership spill have emerged.

Liberal MP Bev McArthur questioned Pesutto, saying:

“If [Pesutto is] so confident about his position, then he can easily call a meeting of the parliamentary party and put his case forward and declare all positions vacant.”

*Liberal MP Bev McArthur has questioned Pesutto’s leadership.*

Former opposition leader Matthew Guy defended Pesutto, urging party members to focus on their jobs rather than fueling division.

Former opposition leader Matthew Guy has defended Pesutto, urging party members to cease division.

“John has strong internal support. He will remain the leader, he’s doing a good job, we’re well ahead in the polls. It’s time for everyone to shut up, and do their job and stop commenting on his.”

Mr Guy is quoted.

Disunity Fuels Labor’s Dominance

The resignation underscores the Liberal Party’s enduring disunity—a key factor that has enabled the Victorian Labor Party to secure four consecutive terms in government. Without significant efforts to unify and present a coherent vision, the Liberals risk paving the way for yet another Labor victory in 2026.

For years, the public has been privy to the factional infighting and spats have which has eroded voter confidence in the Liberal Party’s ability to govern. Critics within the party argue that unless they address their internal divisions and rally behind a clear leader, they will continue to struggle against Premier Jacinta Allan’s Labor government.

Learning from Labor’s Playbook

The Liberal Party should consider taking a page from the Labor Party’s book and implement rules to prevent the constant undermining of its leadership. Following the tumultuous Rudd-Gillard-Rudd years in the federal Labor government, Labor introduced national rules, making it significantly harder to usurp its leader.

*The Liberal Party should consider taking a page from the Labor Party following the tumultuous Rudd-Gillard-Rudd years.*

These reforms have proven effective, leading to stability within the party and enabling Labor to secure victories at the last federal election and across all states and territories. A similar approach could provide the Liberal Party with the stability it desperately needs to focus on policies, build voter confidence, and challenge Labor’s dominance in Victoria.

With the 2026 state election in the not too distant future, the Liberals must decide whether they will continue to be mired in internal conflict or take bold steps to present a united front. Failure to do so will almost certainly result in another resounding victory for Labor, further entrenching their grip on Victorian politics.