‘It Is Not True’: Labor MP Denies Assault Allegation

‘It Is Not True’: Labor MP Denies Assault Allegation
Victorian MP Will Fowles, with his wife Jessica, speaks to the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 11, 2019. AAP Image/David Crosling
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The Victorian Labor MP at the centre of an assault allegation says he’s shocked and distressed and strenuously denies the accusation.

The state government on Saturday revealed it had referred Ringwood MP Will Fowles, a 45-year-old father of four, to police over an alleged “serious assault.”

“I was shocked and distressed to learn last night that an allegation of assault has been made against me,” Mr. Fowles posted on social media.

“The details of the claim have not been put to me and I strenuously deny any allegation of assault.

“It is not true.”

The person who alleged they were assaulted by the MP is yet to make a formal complaint to police.

Victoria Police confirmed on Sunday they had received the referral and provided contact details should “a victim” wish to make a report.

“No official complaint has been received from a victim in relation to the matter,” they added.

The Labor government said it was advised of the alleged incident on Thursday.

Premier Daniel Andrews’ office made further inquiries and received information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault.

The matter was referred to police on Saturday evening.

“I also sought and received the Member for Ringwood’s resignation from the parliamentary Labor party,” Mr. Andrews said on Saturday.

Mr. Fowles said he was asked to stand aside—“a situation I expect will be temporary.”

“I will fully cooperate with any process or enquiries.”

Mr. Andrews said the complainant was being supported.

“The well-being of staff and their right to a safe workplace is not negotiable,” he added.

In 2019, Mr. Fowles kicked through the lower half of a door at the Abode Hotel in Canberra during an argument with staff about his luggage.

At the time, Mr. Fowles said his actions were driven by anxiety as he wasn’t able to access his luggage containing medication, but acknowledged that was no excuse.

He took a leave of absence for three months to deal with addiction and mental health issues.

On Sunday, Mr. Andrews described the assault allegation as “completely and entirely different” to what happened in Canberra.

He would not say whether he believed Mr. Fowles should resign from politics altogether.

“I’m not going to speculate on that,” Mr. Andrews told reporters in North Melbourne.

It’s entirely up to the duly elected member.”

In 2022, Mr. Fowles retained the seat of Ringwood on a two-party preferred basis of 57.5 percent.

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Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.
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