Police won’t charge Victorian MP Will Fowles

Police have provided an update about a MP who was exiled from the Labor Party following allegations he sexually assaulted a woman.

Police will not lay charges against a Victorian MP kicked out of the Labor Party after he was accused of the sexual assault of a government employee.

Officers have been investigating exiled MP Will Fowles since former Premier Daniel Andrews referred the allegations to police in August last year.

Mr Fowles has always strongly denied any wrong doing.

No charges will be laid against Ringwood MP Will Fowles MP. Picture: Facebook

Mr Andrews launched an internal investigation against Mr Fowles last year after an employee told his office of a serious assault allegation, which is understood to be related to an incident that allegedly occurred at a Melbourne CBD hotel.

The member for Ringwood, who strenuously denies the allegations, had been drinking at the bar in parliament before going to the hotel.

Victoria Police on Tuesday announced no charges would be laid.

“A 45-year-old Ringwood man was interviewed in October 2023 and subsequently released pending further inquiries,” it said

“While a rigorous and methodical investigation has been conducted into the matter, in conjunction with senior legal advice, it has been determined that charges will not be laid at this time.

Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews sought Mr Fowles’ resignation from the Labor Party over the allegations. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“Any further information provided to police will be thoroughly assessed.

“All parties involved in this matter have today been advised of this decision and we will continue to provide the appropriate support where required.”

Current Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the decision in a statement.

“The wellbeing of staff and their right to a safe workplace is not negotiable and we will always act on any allegations of a serious nature,” she said.

“The Member for Ringwood was asked to resign from the Parliamentary Labor Party in August last year. He will not return.

“The complainant will continue to be supported and their privacy must be respected at this time.”

Officers arrested Mr Fowles in relation to the allegations on October 12 last year, interviewing him in relation to the alleged incident. He was released without charge.

In September he announced he would not attend parliamentary sittings until the conclusion of a police investigation.

Parliament resumes on Tuesday.

Originally published as Police won’t charge Victorian MP Will Fowles