‘Appalling conspiracy theories’: Andrews blasts former cop’s crash claims

Former premier Daniel Andrews and his wife Catherine have issued a rare joint statement post-politics to blast a report by a former police officer that cast doubt on their version of a 2013 car accident that injured a teenager.

The report was compiled by former police assistant commissioner Dr Raymond Shuey, shortly before his death, in his capacity as an expert witness for a court case brought by Ryan Meuleman, who was hit by the couple’s car when riding his bike.

Daniel Andrews with his wife, Catherine.Credit: Wayne Taylor

Meuleman is suing his former lawyers over the handling of his original claim for compensation after the crash. Previous investigations by Victoria Police and the state’s integrity watchdog have cleared Daniel and Catherine Andrews over the accident and its handling.

In their statement, the couple took aim at the Herald Sun, which first published the report’s findings on Tuesday, describing the article as “conspiracy theories dressed up as journalism”.

Andrews’ wife, Catherine, was driving a taxpayer-funded 4WD when the then 15-year-old cyclist was hit. Andrews, who was opposition leader at the time, was also in the car, along with the couple’s three children.

Shuey’s report, seen by The Age, alleges authorities engaged in an “overt cover-up to avoid implicating a political figure in a life-threatening crash”.

In response, the couple said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon: “This so-called report was commissioned by lawyers on behalf of their clients who are seeking money through the courts by suing their former lawyers.

“We are not a party to this legal action. We did nothing wrong. This matter has already been comprehensively and independently investigated and closed by Victoria Police and integrity agencies.

“We will not dignify these appalling conspiracy theories by commenting further at this time.”

Meuleman, who in 2022 secured an $80,000 compensation payout from the Transport Accident Commission, is suing his former law firm, Slater & Gordon.

He alleges the firm did not conduct a thorough enough investigation into the January 7, 2013, crash and that the firm should have fought for a larger payout.

The damages proceedings are due to be heard in the Supreme Court. While Shuey’s report may be tabled with the court, it is not clear how much weight a judge will place on it given its author can no longer be cross-examined.

In his report, Shuey cited the distance the cyclist was thrown from the car and concluded the 4WD could not have come to a complete stop before turning onto Ridley Street, an allegation that clashes with the couple’s evidence.

“It was definitely not a low-speed vehicle impact,” Shuey wrote, noting the cyclist was flipped over the car roof.

He found the car was likely travelling at between 40km/h and 50km/h at the point of impact, which is within the speed limit for unsigned suburban streets in Blairgowrie.

The former police officer also took issue with the “lack of rigour” surrounding the investigation.

The police officers who attended the scene did not breathalyse anyone, in breach of standard operating procedures. IBAC cleared police of wrongdoing in December 2017.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said: “As has been previously stated, Victoria Police conducted a thorough investigation into this matter, as did IBAC, and all findings were consistent. We have no further comment to provide on the matter.”

A Slater & Gordon spokeswoman declined to comment, citing ongoing court proceedings.

The Age has contacted the Meuleman family for comment via the family’s barrister.

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