Victoria Police investigate Will Fowles sex assault allegations

The incident is alleged to have occurred at a Melbourne hotel following a parliamentary sitting day.

Will Fowles in 2019. Picture: Mark Stewart

Police have confirmed they are investigating sexual assault allegations against Victorian state Labor MP Will Fowles.

Mr Fowles tendered his resignation from the parliamentary Labor Party three weeks ago, at the request of Premier Daniel Andrews’ office, following allegations he “seriously” assaulted a government employee. He ­remains a member of the party.

The MP, who represents Ringwood in Melbourne’s outer east, has “strenuously” denied the allegation of assault and described his resignation as “a situation I expect will be temporary”.

The Premier’s office referred the matter to police, who on Friday morning issued a statement saying detectives from the ­Sexual Crimes Squad were ­investigating “following a report of an incident in the Melbourne CBD”.

“Police were initially notified of the matter by the state government and a formal investigation has now commenced,” police said. “Given the sensitive nature of this incident and now that it is subject to active investigation, we will not be providing any further commentary.”

The allegations against Mr Fowles are believed to relate to an incident alleged to have ­occurred at a city hotel.

The Herald Sun reported on Friday that the female alleged victim has met with sex crime ­detectives and, while she is yet to make a sworn statement, sources close to the case told the paper she made a series of serious allegations against Mr Fowles, who strenuously denies them.

Will Fowles and Daniel Andrews in happier times. Picture: Facebook

It is understood these allegations prompted police to begin making preliminary inquiries, including gathering evidence.

The details of the allegations have not been made public, with even senior government staff saying they are not aware of the circumstances.

Mr Fowles had been drinking at the bar in state parliament prior to the alleged assault.

A complaint was first made to the Premier’s office on August 3, prompting an internal investigation, which culminated in the ­referral to police, and the request for Mr Fowles to resign, on ­August 5.

Visiting Rutherglen, in Victoria’s northeast, on Friday, Mr Andrews said it would not be ­appropriate to comment on the police investigation.

Asked if parliament’s bar should be closed following the alleged incident, Mr Andrews said it was ultimately a matter for the Speaker and president, but that alcohol should not be used as an excuse for bad behaviour.

“I will just say this – I’m speaking more broadly now – let’s be very careful not to slip into this kind of viewpoint that alcohol excuses everything,” the Premier said.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to think when it comes to some of these matters, in a broader ­context, that alcohol is the only issue at play.

“People need to be responsible for their actions and I don’t think it’s quite as simple as (shutting the bar).”