The Victorian Liberal Party is backing its candidate for the seat of Mildura, Paul Matheson, after an internal investigation into his conduct while serving as a police officer.
Victoria Police demoted Mr Matheson from detective senior sergeant to uniform sergeant in 2020 after he lied in a formal investigation at the Mildura station.
In a press conference today, Leader of the Liberal Party Matthew Guy said he stood by Mr Matheson.
"Anything that's occurred some years ago with Paul is a matter for the Victoria Police," he said.
"They've conducted their investigation and concluded it, fully internal.
He said Mr Matheson was a "very powerful advocate for his community" and the Liberals and the Nationals had very strong candidates in Mildura.
"I caution against anyone making unsubstantiated allegations, an investigation was conducted as an internal matter some years ago and they concluded it," Mr Guy said.
"They're internal matters that were quite well-known and managed by Victoria Police."
A spokesperson for the Victorian Liberal party told the ABC "these matters have been investigated and resolved by Victoria Police".
Victoria Police has told the ABC it is unable to provide information on individuals due to the constraints of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Mr Matheson, who has been contacted for comment, is on leave from Victoria Police.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a police officer who worked at the station at the same time as Mr Matheson told the ABC they were concerned about Mr Matheson taking on public office.
"I'm really concerned that he now is in such a position of power," they said.
Values questioned
The ABC has seen documents detailing several community members' concerns about Mr Matheson's candidacy.
In one letter, sent to Victorian Liberal Leader Matthew Guy, an anonymous person said "members of parliament that represent communities ought to be of the highest integrity, honesty and decency".
"Those communities voting for candidates to represent them in parliament should know of any adverse encumbrances of those individuals," the letter said.
