Jeff Kennett: Moira Deeming trial showed strength and leadership qualities of John Pesutto

Moira Deeming, who launched defamation action against Liberal Party leader John Pesutto, is a Trojan horse for politicians who have forgotten what they were elected to do, writes Jeff Kennett.

Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto has leadership qualities like John Howard, says Jeff Kennett. Picture: Mark Stewart

Regardless of the outcome of the defamation case launched by Moria Deeming against her political leader John Pesutto, the last few weeks has made Pesutto.

He has behaved in a totally dignified manner before and during the trial.

Unlike some in the party who have clearly disqualified themselves from the respect they might have expected.

It is on the public record that some of his shadow cabinet members filed affidavits and gave evidence against their leader.

They should resign their shadow cabinet positions on principle.

Other members of the parliamentary party gave evidence against Pesutto, including a former Liberal treasurer of the state, Kim Wells.

John Pesutto at the Federal Court of Australia. Picture: Diego Fedele

So much for being a team member of the party that has given him the opportunity to rise to high office, being employed, during a parliamentary career of 32 years, which must now surely end, preferably before the next election so the party can attract a team member to its ranks.

A few others in the parliamentary party have not signed affidavits but have been highly active in stirring the pot against their leader, talking directly to the press, encouraging others to publicly commit while keeping their own names out of the media.

But Liberal Party members know who they are.

While all this was going on — while Pesutto and his family were under great pressure — Pesutto stayed dignified, focused on attending court when required. Blamed no one.

Not once did he do any more than respond to questions about his leadership, when he said he was confident of leading his party into the next election.

Dignified, controlled, leadership material. Not dissimilar to former Prime Minister John Howard.

Former Prime Minister, John Howard. Picture: Sky News Australia

Opposition leadership is a tough gig. There are always those in your team who think they are better than the leader of the day.

Without the levers to pull off the government, all an opposition leader can do is keep his or her team focused on holding the government to account, while preparing the policies the opposition might offer the public going into the next election.

In Victoria, that is still just over two years away.

Despite the efforts by some of his colleagues, Pesutto’s Victorian Liberal Party is ahead of the government in the opinion polls, whatever those polls are worth 26 months out from the state election.

Yes, they might be a lot better, but whose fault is that? Those who have created the disunity that has been on display for some months.

While I might question Ms Deeming’s decision to launch legal action against her leader, that is her right, but I know of no other similar example in politics, state or federal.

I have no doubt she has been the Trojan horse for a small group of Liberal politicians who have forgotten what they were elected to do, and a few others who have been positioning themselves as the leader they will never be.

Moira Deeming at the Federal Court during the defamation trial. Picture: Diego Fedele

What the disgruntled have forgotten is Ms Deeming wanted readmittance to the parliamentary Liberal Party.

But the majority of those members voted to expel her.

Pesutto was, in part, during this court case defending their decision. While they have been putting self-interest above their own actions and loyalty to their leader.

As we know in politics, discipline is everything. Just look at the expectations in the forthcoming Queensland state election, where David Crisafulli is being predicted to lead his Liberal National Party to a resounding victory.

Yes, the Labor government is on the nose in Queensland as is the Andrews/Allan government here in Victoria, but unless the public have confidence that an opposition has the people, policies and discipline they will not be supported.

So, something good comes out of every action and or decision. People learn.

The truth is this court case and whatever the decision, when people vote at the state election in just over two years, no one will be voting on something that occurred in October 2024.

They will be voting as always on “the economy, stupid”, and their opinion of the Labor government and the offerings of the Opposition.

Former Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett. Picture: Glenn Hunt

Those in the parliamentary party, who have caused this disunity, have in real terms confirmed Pesutto’s leadership. He has stood tall, dignified and generous, while they have behaved less than all three and worse.

Decision time for all. Time to back the leader and the leadership team. If you can’t be honest enough to say so, resign.

I will unashamedly stand with Pesutto, as there is absolutely no one in the party who has demonstrated the leadership qualities he has shown through all he has endured in the past few months.

Victorians are owed a united, disciplined opposition.

Jeff Kennett is a former Premier of Victoria.

Originally published as Jeff Kennett: Moira Deeming trial showed strength and leadership qualities of John Pesutto