By Rachel Eddie
Embattled state Labor MP Will Fowles says he's been sober since he kicked in a hotel door in Canberra in an altercation with staff over his luggage.
Mr Fowles, 40, will return to Victorian Parliament next Tuesday after 2½ months off on full pay after kicking in a door at Abode Hotel on July 26.
The Burwood MP has told 7 News he has been sober for the 76 days since and is ready to return to work.
"There are things that I am not proud of, things that I've done that I can't even remember," he said in the 7 News interview.
Mr Fowles said he was "filled with anxiety" before smashing in the door about 7.50am that morning.
"It was excruciating, it was crippling. I needed my medication, I had a flight to catch."
Mr Fowles revealed he's been dealing with anxiety and depression over the past 15 years, and admitted to abusing alcohol and other substances.
"Depression is an illness that can be managed well, and it can be managed poorly."
Victorian MP Will Fowles arrives at Melbourne Airport after an incident in a Canberra hotel in July.Credit: Erik Anderson
Mr Fowles was not charged by the ACT Police, but said it was immediately obvious "just how gargantuan a mistake I'd made" when he spoke to three or four police.
Patrons of the hotel said they were kept outside for some time while police investigated the incident.
Damage to the Abode Hotel in the Canberra suburb of Kingston.Credit: Kellie Sloan/Twitter
Liberal MP James Newbury came out hard, saying Mr Fowles was not fit to be an MP.
"Though we may feel for Will Fowles on a personal level, he isn't fit to be a Member of Parliament and the Labor Party has been running a protection racket by covering up his behaviour for years," the Brighton MP said on Thursday night.
In a statement in July, Mr Fowles apologised to Abode hotel staff, his family and constituents, saying he was deeply ashamed of his conduct and would take a leave of absence.
"What happened is unacceptable," Mr Fowles said.
"I am deeply ashamed of my actions. While there are reasons for it, there are no excuses."
"I have, for a long time, been dealing with addiction and other mental health issues.
"Medication I take was in my luggage, which was locked in a room that I was not able to
access, as no staff were on-site.
"I will, of course, pay for all damages."
If you or someone you know needs help, contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au; beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; SuicideLine 1300 651 251; MensLine 1300 789 978.