Sam Groth Quits Liberal Frontbench After Party Leader Refuses to Quit

In light of Moira Deeming’s defamation victory in the Supreme Court, tennis star says he cannot continue working alongside opposition leader.

Sam Groth, Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events, speaks during the Parliamentary Friends of the Olympic and Paralympic Movement Launch at Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia, on March 5, 2024. Josh Chadwick/Getty Images for AOC

Former Australian tennis star Sam Groth has stepped down from the Victorian state opposition frontbench, pointing out Liberal leader John Pesutto’s refusal to quit in light of the Federal Court decision on Dec. 12.

Justice David O’Callaghan found Pesutto defamed former Liberal MP Moira Deeming on five occasions after the Let Women Speak rally she helped organise on March 18 last year, which was interrupted by a group of neo-Nazis.