Controversial new Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming claimed she could secure $100,000 in donations if preselected, thanked a constituent who blamed COVID-19 on abortion and homosexuality, and claimed God “arranged” her preselection.
These details are contained in emails sent from Deeming’s Melton City Council email address, where she served as a councillor from 2020 to 2022.
The emails were obtained through a freedom of information request and were released by advocacy group Sex Work Law Reform Australia on Monday night.
Deeming, a former teacher, earned notoriety as a councillor and as a state candidate for her anti-transgender views and COVID scepticism.
The emails provide insight into Deeming’s successful attempts for preselection and election to the Victorian Legislative Council.
In a speech contained in her emails, Deeming makes the case that the Liberal Party needed someone who can “attract funding”.
“My work in the media and on council has attracted proven, long term [sic] financial backers who are already known to many in the Liberal Party. To date they have raised almost $1.5 million for the party,” it said.
The speech then includes what it says is an excerpt from a donor’s letter promising to donate a “minimum of $100,000 to the state secretariat” and to pay for printing and distribution — but only if Deeming is preselected.
Other emails highlight the role Deeming’s Christian faith played in her election and time as councillor. In a speech written after her preselection, the future MLC said:
I did not win on merit, I did not win because I was popular in the party, I did not win by being a part of a faction. I won because God arranged it, and because Christians joined up and voted according to their consciences.
A constituent sent Deeming a nine-page email filled with long passages from the Bible, which culminated in a claim that the COVID pandemic was a punishment from God for sinning, and that the solution was to overturn laws allowing abortion, contraception and homosexuality.
Deeming replied: “Thank you. God bless you and help us all to glorify him.”
Deeming’s emails also show the extent of her campaigning against sex work, trans people and sex education.
The then-councillor repeatedly drafted motions and sent emails to council staff about trying to stop transgender women from using women’s bathrooms, organising opposition to rezoning changes to allow sex work within the area, and objecting to youth-outreach programs (including an LGBTQIA+ group) run by youth workers.
“As a mother, a resident and a councillor, I am extremely concerned about the fact that we are having confidential interactions with minors about non-reportable issues — especially about their mental health and SEXUALITY — without parent knowledge or consent? I am unsatisfied that these interactions are safe or appropriate for minors under 16 years,” she wrote.
Deeming’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
