Victorian Liberals leader Matthew Guy referred to anti-corruption watchdog

Victoria’s Opposition Leader has hit back at claims he’s a liar after an investigation was referred to the state’s anti-corruption watchdog.

Victoria’s Opposition leader has hit back at an investigation into himself and a former chief of staff being referred to the state’s anti-corruption watchdog.

Matthew Guy offered the comments on Thursday after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) passed on its investigation into Mr Guy and Mitch Catlin to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).

In a statement, Victorian electoral commissioner Warwick Gately said the VEC had “exhausted its attempts” to probe whether the state’s funding and disclosure laws were breached.

“We became aware of suggestions that Mr Catlin was alleged to have tried to circumvent donation disclosure laws,” he said.

Mr Catlin was exposed for requesting more than $100,000 in payments to his private marketing business from a party donor earlier this year.

He resigned after the scandal came to light in July.

Liberal leader Matthew Guy and his former chief of staff Mitch Catlin. Picture: Tim Carrafa

“It’s my responsibility to ensure compliance with all electoral laws and ensure all participants are held to the same standard.”

Mr Guy said in August that he would co-operate with the VEC’s investigation into the incident.

“I’ll comply and make sure that we work with them at every stage and every step,” he said at the time.

He followed up this assurance on Thursday, saying he had done “nothing wrong”.

“There’s no allegations there of wrongdoing, unlike what you’re seeing from the state government,” Mr Guy said.

“I’m more than willing and happy to co-operate with anyone. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

Mr Guy went on to refute claims that he was lying, telling reporters it was “absolutely not” the case.

Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy says he has done nothing wrong. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“I have provided all of the information I have weeks and weeks ago,” he said.

“If other people associated with that haven’t, then that’s not a question for me.

“Material I’ve provided, I’ve provided and whatever comes from them, I’m happy to answer.”

The VEC hours earlier said it had not “received full co-operation from those connected to its investigation”.

“While the VEC is not in a position to allege wrongdoing based on the allegations it has sought to investigate, the possibility of offences against the Act – including under section 218B – have also not been able to be discounted,” the statement read.