Liberal MP Renee Heath defends her attendance at a controversial event

Upper house Liberal MP Renee Heath has defended her attendance at a pro-freedom event hosted by outspoken commentator Morgan C Jonas.

Upper house Liberal MP Renee Heath was spotted in the crowd at the event. Picture: Supplied

Liberal Party MP Renee Heath has defended her attendance at a pro-freedom event that roasted Opposition Leader John Pesutto.

Victorian Freedom Party leader and outspoken commentator Morgan C Jonas, who regularly protested against the government’s handling of the pandemic and vaccine mandates, hosted a live show on Friday night to mark the release of his podcast’s 200th episode.

The event, which was live streamed on social media, included speeches from United Australia Party senator Ralph Babet, former United Australia Party politician Craig Kelly and the Freedom Party’s candidate for the Warrandyte by-election, Greg Cheesman.

Ms Heath’s father Brian, a senior pastor of the City Builders Church and self proclaimed “freedom fighter”, also spoke at the event.

Brian Heath, a City Builders Church pastor, spoke at the event. Picture: Facebook

Mr Heath, who declared Mr Jonas was one of his heroes, said he first became “disturbed” with the state of politics about eight years ago.

“One of the challenges with Australians is they think ‘she’ll be right, mate’. I’m actually here to tell you tonight that it’s not going to be alright,” he said.

“But there is an answer … The answer to freedom rests in you and me … We’ve got to step out and take some risks.”

Eyebrows have been raised over Ms Heath’s decision to attend the event, which took aim at her boss, John Pesutto.

In his speech, Mr Babet slammed Mr Pesutto’s leadership and attacked his decision to expel Moira Deeming from the Liberal Party.

“All you have to do, John Pesutto, is open up your own party’s values, read them and stick to them. If you did that, you would be in a much better position than what you’re in now,” he said.

Senator Ralph Babet spoke at the event where he criticised John Pesutto. Picture: Gary Ramage

Opposition leader John Pesutto. Picture: David Crosling

“John Pesutto, you are the opposition. The job of the opposition, John Pesutto, is to provide different ideas, different solutions, different ways of thinking. That’s your job.

“Your job is not just to be Labor lite. That’s not going to get you anywhere. Stand up for Liberal Party values.

“And also John Pesutto, stop throwing women under the bus, for standing up for women’s rights. It is crazy.”

Ms Heath said she attended the event to hear her dad speak.

“I hope I am never afraid to hear alternate opinions and views, even those I don’t agree with,” she said.

“It opens our minds, challenges our ideas and strengthens our resolve.”

The Liberal Party is desperately holding on to hope that it can retain the seat of Warrandyte in this month’s by-election.

Ms Heath told the Herald Sun she is absolutely committed to campaigning for the Liberal Party’s candidate Nicole Werner’s election bid.

A spokesman for Mr Pesutto refused to comment but the attendance has enraged senior Liberal MPs and party members.

One Liberal source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said people internally were furious that Ms Heath made a judgement call to attend such an event.

“You’ve just got to shake your head,” they said.

One senior MP added: “That event last night did not represent mainstream Liberal values at all.“