Probe into Liberal MP Moira Deeming’s possible breach of parliamentary security
Controversial MP Moira Deeming is being investigated amid claims she escorted anti-trans activist Kellie-Jay Keen through an unauthorised area in parliament.
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Controversial MP Moira Deeming is being investigated over a potential breach of parliamentary security.
The Herald Sun can reveal an official security incident has been logged amid concerns of unauthorised to Parliament House before Saturday’s Let Women Speak rally.
Ms Deeming was granted permission to drive British activist Kellie-Jay Keen and two security guards into the parliamentary precinct ahead of the rally.
But the Herald Sun has been told she was not to take them through Parliament House.
In a statement this week Ms Deeming said she specifically sought permission to access the precinct because of safety concerns.
“Due to threats of violence from extreme left activists including the notorious Antifa, I was approached and asked if I could drive international speaker Kelly Jay (sic) and her security guards to park in Parliament House car park, for safer passage to and from the Parliament House steps,” she said.
“I sought and gained permission from parliament services to do so.”
The Herald Sun has been told CCTV footage is being reviewed to ascertain if there was any prohibited access to Parliament House.
A statement on behalf of the parliament’s presiding officers said it would be inappropriate to comment.
“Parliament takes all security matters seriously and Parliament’s Security Team work hard to ensure the Parliamentary Precinct is a safe place for everyone who uses this building,” it said.
“Parliament has processes in place to address security incidents.
“In keeping with past practice, we do not provide commentary on matters of security relating to the Parliamentary Precinct.”
Following Saturday’s rally, which was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis, Opposition Leader John Pesutto initiated moves to expel Ms Deeming from the party, citing her alleged links to far-right extremists.
Mr Pesutto has accused Ms Deeming of “conducting activities in a manner likely to bring discredit on the parliament or the Parliamentary Party.”
Ms Deeming is fighting the move, and urging her colleagues to back her remaining in the party.
She has refuted claims she is linked to far-right extremists and denounced Nazism.
The expulsion motion, which will go to a vote of Liberal Party MPs on Monday, has sparked a major rift in the party.
Mr Pesutto has come under pressure to abandon the motion.
Deputy Liberal leader in the upper house, Matt Bach, said the expulsion motion had to go ahead.
“There will be no compromise. There can be no compromise. We support John and we support that motion,” he said.
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Originally published as Probe into Liberal MP Moira Deeming’s possible breach of parliamentary security
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