By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
Police are investigating serious assault allegations levelled against former Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles.
Premier Daniel Andrews sought Mr Fowles’ resignation from the parliamentary Labor Party earlier this month after referring the allegations to police.
Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad are now investigating following a report of an incident in the Melbourne city centre.
“Police were initially notified of the matter by the state government and a formal investigation has now commenced,” a police spokeswoman said on Friday.
“Given the sensitive nature of this incident and now that it is subject to active investigation, we will not be providing any further commentary on the matter.”
At the time of Mr Fowles’ resignation, police had received the government’s referral but were not investigating because the alleged victim had not made a formal complaint.
The assault allegations have not been detailed publicly, nor has the alleged victim been named.
Mr Fowles has strenuously denied any allegation of assault, saying the claims against him were shocking and distressing.
The Ringwood MP is no longer part of the parliamentary party but it remains unclear whether he’s a member of the broader Labor party.
He was previously chair of the electoral matters committee but the government moved a motion to discharge him from the role amid the allegations.
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.
He said his actions were driven by anxiety because he couldn’t access his luggage, which had his medication inside.
He took a three-month leave of absence to deal with mental health issues, before returning to parliament.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
