The former Victorian opposition leader ordered to pay $2.3 million to Moira Deeming

John Pesutto’s woes continue. After being found guilty of defaming Victorian state MP Moira Deeming, he has now been ordered to pay $2.3 million in costs. This could see him out of parliament if he has to declare bankruptcy. 

Despite being found guilty he has refused to accept responsibility for his atrocious slurs against Moira. 

In December, Federal Court Justice David O'Callaghan ordered Mr Pesutto pay Moira $315,000 on top of her legal costs for the case. Those costs have now been determined in excess of $2.3 million.

Federal Court registrar Alison Legge made the cost ruling on Friday after the pair's legal team argued about Mrs Deeming seeking to pay back a loan to NSW property developer Hilton Grugeon.

"I have determined that monies gifted or lent to Ms Deeming to assist her to meet her legal costs of the proceeding are not relevant to my determination and neither displace nor offset the quantum of her entitlement to costs," Ms Legge said.

Mrs Deeming's barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC is also pushing for Mr Pesutto to pay her legal fees for the costs hearings.

Mr Pesutto has started a GoFundMe page in an attempt to raise the money. He also said he was determined to continue serving as an MP. The threat of bankruptcy is real and could trigger a by-election if he can’t raise the funds.

Moira Deeming has gone from strength to strength after being welcomed back into the Liberal party room. New leader, Brad Battin made her the "representative to the western suburbs" and she is serving in the Liberal party room.