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Feuds, clown-shows and a neo-Nazi libel: An Australian political party's internecine fights

Feuds, clown-shows and a neo-Nazi libel: An Australian political party's internecine fights

Irish Times13-07-2025
If you heard a political party leader had implied a fellow MP sympathised with neo-Nazis, you would probably assume it took place in an unstable democracy.
But it happened in the Australian state of Victoria and involved the opposition Liberal Party. It cost state leader John Pesutto his position and left him owing millions of dollars.
The Victorian Liberals have been busy shooting themselves in the foot for decades in a battle for control between moderates – such as Pesutto – and Christian right-wingers such as MP Moira Deeming.
The latest trouble started in March 2023 when Deeming addressed a rally called Let Women Speak outside the state parliament in Melbourne. The rally, headed by British anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen, was gatecrashed by black-clad supporters who gave Nazi salutes on the parliament's steps.
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Victoria has long been at the centre of neo-Nazi activity in Australia and some of them leapt on the rally's bandwagon, knowing it would get a lot of attention.
Performing a Nazi salute was soon banned, but there were long-term ramifications for the Liberal Party.
Deeming was initially suspended and later expelled from the parliamentary party after threatening to sue Pesutto, saying he had falsely portrayed her as a Nazi sympathiser.
Attempts to get her to drop the case failed and last December federal court judge David O'Callaghan ruled Pesutto had defamed Deeming on several occasions.
The judge found that in an interview with national broadcaster ABC 'the imputation found to be conveyed is that Mrs Deeming knowingly associates or sympathises with neo-Nazis and white supremacists, and is thus unfit to be a member of the parliamentary Liberal Party'.
Deeming was awarded 300,000 Australian dollars (€167,000) in damages. Pesutto was told to pay costs of about two million Australian dollars.
He resigned as party leader while Deeming was reinstated.
Though a well-off man, Pesutto didn't have $2.3 million lying around and was on the verge of bankruptcy until the Liberal Party bailed him out with a $1.5 million loan last month, just days before the deadline for paying his debts.
The party did it for reasons of self-preservation. If Pesutto had become bankrupt then he would have been forced to resign a marginal seat that the Liberals risked losing to their rivals.
Labor has ruled in Victoria for all bar four years since 1999, but with a state debt of $167 billion and the worst youth crime figures since 2009, the Liberals should be a shoo-in to win next year's state election.
But, as seen with the Pesutto-Deeming debacle, the party is far more concerned with internecine disputes between moderates and right-wing Christians.
Victoria is Australia's least religious state, with just 43.8 per cent of its population claiming to be Christian in the 2021 census, while 42.1 per cent said they had no religion.
If Victoria's Christian population were evenly distributed around the state, a party dominated by right-wing Christians might have a winning formula. But that's not the case. While some suburbs have Christian majorities, one district is majority Muslim and others have significant minorities of Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs.
And, of course, Christians are likely to spread their vote.
Brad Battin, who replaced Pesutto as Liberal leader, would like nothing better than to be able to attack Labor on rising crime. As a former police officer, he would be on solid ground.
But he can't get the public and the media to concentrate on Labor's inability to control public order or balance the books when his own side keeps offering a clown-show distraction.
As well as the battle between the right-wing and the moderates for control of the Liberals, Battin's deputy leader Sam Groth was recently revealed to have stayed in what has been called 'plush Melbourne hotels', paid for by taxpayers, after attending high-profile sporting events.
One of Groth's colleagues told the Herald Sun newspaper that 'taking free tickets to events and taking your wife and booking a fancy hotel room in the city won't sit well with the public in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis'.
In the meantime, the Labor Party gets on with ruling a state with increasing debt and rising crime, crossing its fingers and hoping that the Liberals continue to fight among themselves.
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Constance Marten moans she's ‘treated like a killer' in jail & brands inmates and lawyers ‘Dementors' from Harry Potter
Constance Marten moans she's ‘treated like a killer' in jail & brands inmates and lawyers ‘Dementors' from Harry Potter

The Irish Sun

time4 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

Constance Marten moans she's ‘treated like a killer' in jail & brands inmates and lawyers ‘Dementors' from Harry Potter

Constance Marten has complained that she's "treated like a killer" in jail and brands her prosecutors like soul-sucking "Dementors." Posh prisoner Marten, 38, and Mark Gordon, 51, were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter after the death of their baby girl. Advertisement 7 Constance, 38, was convicted of the gross negligent manslaughter of her daughter Victoria today Credit: Central News 7 Her partner Mark Gordon, 51, was also convicted of gross negligent manslaughter Credit: Central News 7 The baby died while the couple lived 'off-grid' in freezing conditions Credit: Central News 7 Constance Marten told police that Victoria had died after she fell asleep while holding her Credit: Central News In a bitter rant to The View Magazine, a publication promoting reform for women in custody, Marten moaned about being 'treated like a killer' in jail. This is despite being found guilty over the death of her baby daughter. Marten and rapist boyfriend Gordon were convicted after their newborn Victoria was found dead in a Lidl shopping bag. Speaking from behind bars, Marten was very critical of her prosecutors and bizarrely told the prison magazine that they reminded her of the soul-sucking creatures in Harry Potter . Advertisement Read more News She said: "It was his voice. I just couldn't bear it anymore. " Tom Little and Joel Smith remind me of Dementors from Harry Potter. " There's no empathy. I felt like . " The 37-year-old aristocrat is locked up in HMP Bronzefield alongside notorious child murderers Advertisement Most read in The Sun She complained about being spoken to like a child and accused legal teams of trying to 'make angels look like devils and devils appear angelic'. Marten added: "They all use this disgusting tone, like they're reprimanding a small child. 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Marten gave birth to Victoria without seeking any medical assistance in early 2022 and kept her "their little secret". The infant had hardly any clothes or "means of keeping or remaining warm". Victoria, who spent 'much of her life' in a Lidl bag for life, was tragically discovered dumped among rubbish in a shed near Brighton. Advertisement A jury found the pair guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after hearing harrowing details of how they ignored warnings and lived 'off-grid'. In a police interview, Marten later said: "I had her in my jacket and I hadn't slept properly in quite a few days and erm, I fell asleep holding her sitting up and she, when I woke up, she wasn't alive." Jurors were told Marten had been warned by social workers about the risk of falling asleep with a baby lying on her and that a tent was unsuitable. Both she and Gordon lost their appeal against the child cruelty convictions and are due to be sentenced in September. Advertisement This comes as... 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Fans called for Lions star Maro Itoje to be banned after ugly incident
Fans called for Lions star Maro Itoje to be banned after ugly incident

Irish Daily Mirror

time4 days ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

Fans called for Lions star Maro Itoje to be banned after ugly incident

Maro Itoje will take on the captaincy for the British and Irish Lions in their opening Test against Australia on Saturday. As they kick off their summer series, the England lock will be looked upon to set the tone with his leadership. Despite a loss to Argentina in Dublin prior to heading Down Under, the Lions have since been unbeaten, securing five victories out of five on Australian turf. However, the heat is about to be turned up in Brisbane, where Itoje will need to be on top form. This comes after the Saracens star faced intense scrutiny during the 2021 Lions tour of South Africa. The 30-year-old was lambasted by hordes of Springboks supporters and South African media following an altercation with centre Damian de Allende. In fact, some even called for Itoje's suspension after he was seen on camera kneeling on De Allende's chest, shoulder and neck area. This incident occurred during the second Test in Cape Town, which South Africa clinched 27-9, levelling the series ahead of the final match. Double Rugby World Cup champion De Allende retaliated by tackling Itoje from the ground. He then stood over the England forward and shoved him in the head before Itoje made his own appeal to referee Ben O'Keeffe. Neither player faced any immediate punishment, but that didn't stop the online community from passing judgement on the unfortunate incident. And it seemed that the majority of fans on social media believed Itoje was at fault. There were calls for Itoje to be suspended following his clash with De Allende (Image: Sky Sports) One viewer expressed their concern on X, writing: "[Maro Itoje] should be banned after his knee on De Allende's neck! That's dangerous." Another fan was equally critical, saying: "Itoje also deserved red for this. This is intentional." A third spectator was surprised by the lack of action taken during the game, stating: "Shocked he wasn't thrown out of the game." A Springboks supporter also weighed in, remarking: "Unacceptable! Maro had a terrible game overall, actually. Complaining and moaning." Despite the controversy, Itoje has moved past the incident with stellar performances this summer. As Lions captain, he has been one of Andy Farrell's standout players throughout the warm-up matches, justifying his leadership role. Itoje will captain the British and Irish Lions against Australia (Image:) Itoje found himself on the score sheet in the Lions' emphatic 52-12 victory over Queensland Reds earlier in July. His endurance and high performance levels throughout full matches continue to earn him praise. With a match against Australia at Lang Park on Saturday, he is expected to be a key focus for the Wallabies as they look to exploit any weaknesses in the Lions' strategy. Joe Schmidt, the former Ireland head coach now leading Australia, is well aware of the threat posed by the opposing captain. In the second row, Itoje will team up with Leinster's Joe McCarthy. He is one of four England players in the starting lineup, joining Ellis Genge, Tom Curry, and Tommy Freeman in Farrell's chosen XV. However, it's Itoje's responsibility to avoid getting drawn into trivial disputes that could lead to disciplinary action. Supporters will be hoping that his new role as captain will discourage him from participating in any such altercations.

John Torode's MasterChef contract not renewed after racist language allegation
John Torode's MasterChef contract not renewed after racist language allegation

Irish Times

time7 days ago

  • Irish Times

John Torode's MasterChef contract not renewed after racist language allegation

John Torode will not return to MasterChef after its producers confirmed his contract would not be renewed after an allegation of using racist language. The Australian -born chef (59) had confirmed on Monday evening he was the subject of an allegation that was upheld as part of an inquiry into the behaviour of his former co-presenter Gregg Wallace . A spokesperson for the production company Banijay UK said on Tuesday: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' READ MORE A BBC spokesperson said the allegation against Torode 'involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace', which was 'investigated and substantiated' by the independent investigation led by Lewis Silkin. They added: 'John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' In a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, Torode said: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay, I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few seem to have prevented that.' He added: 'Personally I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have.' The report on Wallace, commissioned by Banijay UK, found that 45 out of 83 allegations against him were substantiated, alongside two stand-alone allegations made against other people. Wallace (60) was sacked last week from MasterChef before the release of the report, which included one allegation of 'unwelcome physical contact' that was upheld. He said he was 'deeply sorry for any distress caused' and that he had 'never set out to harm or humiliate'. MasterChef was relaunched in 2005 with Torode and Wallace as presenters. The latest development means Torode's time at MasterChef is in effect over already as the 2025 series has already been shot and delivered to the BBC, though it has not been aired. Torode will not be contracted for any more episodes. His departure creates an even greater problem for the BBC director general, Tim Davie, over the current, unaired series of the show. He was already facing a tough decision over whether or not to air it, as Wallace features prominently throughout. The Guardian revealed Wallace appears as a judge right until the series finale. It was only then that he stood back from the role amid allegations over his behaviour. Torode features throughout the whole series. John Torode (left) with fellow Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace in 2008. Photograph: Anthony Devlin /PA Speaking at the launch of the BBC's annual report, Davie said he had not made a decision over the series but he was mindful of the contestants who had worked hard throughout it. 'One of my overwhelming concerns is that we've got all the amateur chefs that gave their heart and soul to this programme,' he said. 'We have to reflect on that, talk to them – and I'm sure Banijay are doing that – consult them, think about the audience, and then make a call. That's what we're going through now.' He said there was a future for the show despite the allegations against Wallace and Torode. Production has only recently moved to new studios. 'A great programme that's well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals,' Davie said. In an interview with BBC News on Tuesday evening, Davie said he saw the situation as an opportunity for the corporation to 'reset'. He said he was not directly involved with the matter but had been told about the recommendation not to renew Torode's contract and was 'happy that the team were taking action'. Davie added: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode was alleged to have said, the BBC's director general replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term because I think, frankly, it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.' – Guardian

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