Victorian Liberal deputy leader Sam Groth asked to explain taxpayer-funded chauffeur use

A senior Victorian Liberal MP has demanded the party’s deputy leader Sam Groth explain himself after it was revealed the former tennis star used her taxpayer-funded chauffeur to drive him and his wife home following a day out at the Australian Open.

Victorian deputy liberal leader Sam Groth. Picture: Brendan Beckett

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A senior Victorian Liberal MP has demanded the party’s deputy leader Sam Groth explain himself after it was revealed the former tennis star used her taxpayer-funded chauffeur to drive him and his wife home following a day out at the Australian Open.

Liberal frontbencher Georgie Crozier said she lent the car to Mr Groth for work-related purposes and called on him and the party’s leadership to explain his actions.

“I’m incredibly disappointed,” Ms Crozier said.

“Every single Victorian, I think, deserves much better.”

Mr Groth was on Friday forced to defend his actions following reports he had used Ms Crozier’s taxpayer-funded chauffeur-driven car to drive him and his wife almost 100km home after he enjoyed a boozy day out at the Australian Open.

Mr Groth and Nationals MP Jade Benham were reported to have hosted a political fundraiser in a box at the Australian Open on January 20, 2024, before Mr Groth headed to the tennis precinct party zone and used Ms Crozier’s chauffeur-driven car to take him and his wife home following several hours of drinking.

“At the Australian Open in 2024, I attended in both an official capacity and a personal one,” Mr Groth, the opposition’s sports spokesman, said in a statement.

“I was at the event to meet various stakeholders and attend meetings before being part of a fundraising initiative. The accusations around intoxication are wrong.

“Everything was and is above board. It has all been officially disclosed. There is nothing to hide.”

Opposition Leader Brad Battin on Friday said he expected all members of parliament to follow rules and behave appropriately and rejected any suggestion that Mr Groth should resign.

“Sam Groth’s been working very hard in his role,” he said.

“I’m confident Sam’s followed the rules.”

Mr Groth has been under increased scrutiny for his travel expenses, after it was reported he had charged taxpayers for luxury hotel bills following his attendance at sporting events and a trip to South Australia where he was spotted partying at a golf tournament. However, Mr Groth has denied any wrongdoing and said everything was above board.

The expenses scandal came as former leader John Pesutto was expected to be issued with a bankruptcy notice by colleague Moira Deeming, with Mr Battin admitting to tension within his party room.