Jacinta Allan says Fowles will never return to Labor caucus as long as she’s premier

Premier Jacinta Allan has clarified that exiled Labor MP Will Fowles has no chance of returning to the caucus – not just this term, but for as long as she remains premier.

Victoria Police on Tuesday revealed it had decided not to lay charges against the Ringwood MP after investigating him over an allegation of serious assault against a government staffer. Fowles has always strenuously maintained his innocence.

Victorian MP Will Fowles.Credit: Joe Armao

“As long as I have the privilege of chairing the meetings of the parliamentary Labor Party, that will be my position,” Allan said on Wednesday.

Fowles, who was arrested and questioned in October over a serious assault allegation, has always denied wrongdoing. On Tuesday, Victoria Police said its sexual crimes squad had closed the investigation.

“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,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

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

The Ringwood MP did not attend parliament last year while the investigation was under way.Credit: AAP

The Ringwood MP did not attend parliament last year while the investigation was under way.

The 45-year-old said on Tuesday that he looked forward to continuing to represent his constituents.

State parliament resumes on Tuesday, February 6.

Asked if Fowles should be hauled before the parliamentary privileges committee should he continue to skip sitting days, Allan said that was a matter for parliament, not her government.

“It’s really, deeply inappropriate for me to preempt any parliamentary process,” she said.

Fowles resigned from the parliamentary Labor Party in August at the request of then-premier Daniel Andrews after his office was informed of an alleged incident that occurred in Melbourne’s CBD that same month.

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