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Labor MP resigns from party over assault allegation

By AAP Newswire

Aug 5, 2023

Victorian MP Will Fowles — Will Fowles has resigned from the Labor Party after being referred to police over an alleged assault -AAP Image

Victorian member for Ringwood Will Fowles has resigned from the Labor Party after the premier's office referred him to the police over an alleged "serious assault".

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Premier Daniel Andrews said on Saturday the government was advised of the "alleged incident" on Thursday.

He said his office made further inquiries "and has now received information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault by the Member for Ringwood".

Mr Andrews said his office referred the matter to Victoria Police on Saturday evening.

"I also sought and received the Member for Ringwood's resignation from the Parliamentary Labor Party," he said in a statement.

Mr Andrews said the complainant was being supported and urged their privacy be respected.

"The well-being of staff and their right to a safe workplace is not negotiable," he said.

Mr Fowles sensationally kicked through the lower half of a door at the Abode Hotel in Canberra in July 2019 to get his luggage and immediately took a leave of absence to deal with addiction and other mental health issues.

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By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press