Liberal MP pens letter to Peter Dutton over Will Fowles’ hotel incident

A frustrated Liberal MP has written to Peter Dutton to ask for an explanation on why Victorian MP Will Fowles escaped charges after his violent rampage in Canberra, where he frightened hotel guests and staff.

A state Liberal MP has asked the Federal Government to explain why embattled Labor MP Will Fowles was not charged over a violent outburst in a Canberra hotel this year.

Opposition police spokesman David Southwick wrote to Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton about the lack of ACT Police action, after Mr Fowles smashed through a door to get his luggage.

Following the incident in July, Mr Fowles admitted to substance abuse and mental health problems and has taken time off to rehabilitate.

“So threatening was Mr Fowles’ behaviour that eye witness and hotel guest Kellie Sloane and others were asked by a security guard to stay outside the premises,” Mr Southwick’s letter says.

Labor MP Will Fowles has been questioned by police but no charges were laid. Picture: Mark Stewart

Damage at the Canberra hotel. Picture: Twitter/@kelliesloane

“Despite the ACT arresting or escorting Mr Fowles from the hotel following the incident and the hotel suffering extensive property damage, the police did not lay any criminal charges.”

In the letter, which is likely to spark outrage among the ALP after it called for the state opposition to back off while Mr Fowles recovers, also sought assurances that the MP did not receive special treatment as a politician.

Mr Southwick also asks whether CCTV footage had been reviewed to show if a crime had been committed.

The letter referred to the July 25 incident when Mr Fowles, 40, broke down a door at the Abode Hotel to get to his bag, which he said held medication.

Liberal MP David Southwick. Picture: Tim Carrafa

After being released from police custody, Mr Fowles apologised and said he had recently sought drug and alcohol counselling.

Mr Fowles has taken indefinite leave and declined to comment.

The ACT Police operates under the Australian Federal Police, placing it within Mr Dutton’s portfolio.

The contentious move to write to Mr Dutton comes after the Coalition aggravated the ALP by sending out letters to constituents and doing polling in Mr Fowles’ Burwood electorate.

Energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the member should be given time to recover.

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“What is important here is that people are allowed to heal and repair themselves,” she said.

“I think it is appropriate for someone who is facing very significant personal and health-related challenges that they are given the opportunity and the space to be able to heal with some level of dignity and respect.”

Mental Health minister Martin Foley hit out at the Coalition in state parliament, saying their attacks on the member lacked tact and understanding.

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