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It is believed Pesutto did not approach the former premiers but they discussed the issue privately and decided to donate and show their support.
Napthine said:“I think it is important for former Liberal premiers to support the leader on this. It should have been sorted out,but he is doing a good job and it is important we support him.”
Baillieu,a long-time supporter of Pesutto,agreed.
“The three of us talked about it and decided it was the right thing to do and the appropriate thing to do. I am confident there will be others,” he said.
“John is the best equipped and most intelligent person available for the job. He is doing his best to change the party and make it electable.”
Other donations listed in the declaration came from Nick Johnston,Pesutto’s chief media adviser,Trina Siwabessy of Kew,The Plant Trust,listed as “Melbourne”,and Bau Agency Pty Ltd Burwood. The list may grow as more donations are received.
Some in the party claim the decision to support Pesutto by the former leaders amounts to an endorsement of his leadership if there is to be a challenge.
None of the three would confirm that and each said they had no knowledge of any planned challenge. Pesutto declined to comment about the donations on Friday.
Pesutto initially tried to remove Deeming from the party room in March for her role in the controversial Let Women Speak rally,which was organised by British anti-trans rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull and gatecrashed by neo-Nazis.
In May,Deeming indicated to her parliamentary colleagues that she could take legal action again Pesutto unless he issued a media release making it clear he doesn’t think she is a Nazi,which she said was one of the reasons for her suspension. Pesutto has denied calling her a “neo-Nazi or sympathiser”.
Deeming was then expelled from the party room in a motion co-signed by five Liberal MPs,after sheflagged legal action against the party and Pesutto.
Despite several attempts at mediation,Deeming and Pesutto could not resolve their differences. Keen-Minshull has now also indicated an intention to sue.
It is believed some of Pesutto’s critics in the party are using the case as an example of his poor judgement as leader,which is why the support of the three former premiers is crucial.
While it is very difficult to estimate costs,a 10-day trial has been scheduled for September. Defamation experts contacted say both parties will face costs close to $1 million. Some tipped a combined total of $1.7 million before any damages that may result.
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