Liberals push to boot Bernie Finn over ‘Despot’s militia’ comment

Bernie Finn’s decision to label Victoria Police officers the “modern incarnation of the Despot’s militia” could cost him his parliamentary career.

Sources say it’s unlikely Mr Finn will be endorsed to contest the election. Picture: Sarah Matray

The parliamentary career of controversial upper house MP Bernie Finn is in doubt after he sparked outrage by dubbing Victoria Police officers “modern incarnation of the Despot’s militia”.

The Liberal Party MP was publicly rebuked by Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and other colleagues on Thursday, with several senior sources saying there would be a push to boot Mr Finn from the party.

One senior Liberal said on Thursday it was now highly unlikely Mr Finn would be endorsed by the party to contest next year’s state election.

Another MP described Finn as a “roadblock” to Liberal success and said he was now “in more strife than the early settlers”.

“I don’t think there is a minority group he hasn’t offended,” they said.

Bernie Finn was publicly rebuked by Matthew Guy. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s a distraction and a wrecker, and on the rare occasion he does any work it’s usually in the form of a Facebook post offending someone.”

In recent controversies Mr Finn has been accused of posting pro-Trump conspiracy theories, a meme about a Chinese rocket falling on the national broadcaster or his political rivals, and mocking people with disabilities.

Mr Finn again sparked outrage with a Facebook Post on Wednesday that followed a tense stand-off between police and protesters at the Shrine of Remembrance.

It ended when tear gas and rubber bullets were fired into the crowd.

“I have always been a staunch supporter of the men and women of Victoria Police,” Mr Finn said.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and Bernie Finn. Picture: Kylie Else

“I can’t extend that support to the modern incarnation of the Despot’s militia. It horrifies me!”

He doubled down last night, telling the Herald Sun he remained concerned about the “politicisation of VicPol by the Andrews government”.

“The appointment of the current chief commissioner is a part of that process, and so it is spread down the line. This cannot be good for law enforcement,” he said.

The initial comments sparked immediate outrage among Mr Finn’s parliamentary colleagues with Brad Battin, Ryan Smith, Tim Smith and James Newbury all publicly criticising him.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt questioned his motivation.

“If Bernie Finn no longer supports the police, who acted to prevent a mob of thugs from desecrating the Shrine and further endangering Melburnians, then it must be asked, who does he support,” Mr Gatt said.

The controversial Facebook post is understood to have left members of Victoria Police irate.

Originally published as Liberals push to boot Bernie Finn over ‘Despot’s militia’ comment