Vic Premier denies making hurtful comments against Liberal MP
Former Liberal MP turned real estate agent Donna Bauer has fought bowel cancer and won, but now she's fighting another battle involving vicious comments and hurtful rumours.
Anonymous claims were made suggesting Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made cruel remarks in 2014 about her and how colostomy bags work.
Ms Bauer said she was upset by the remarks.
"I'm devastated with the comment,” she told 7 News. “I feel the comment is cruel and very upsetting. I understand that people in the community would be highly offended."
But the Premier has flatly denied the comment.
In a statement he said: "The claim by unnamed sources is defamatory, disgusting and wrong. After losing my dad recently to a long and heartbreaking battle with cancer, it's disgraceful that people would sink this low."
Deputy Premier James Merlino hit out at those destabilising his boss.
"They will be exposed for the grubs that they are,” he said. “His father died of cancer. These are disgusting lies spread by cowards who can't even put their names to the claims they are making."
Health Minister Jill Hennessy was also quick to defend Mr Andrews, saying the nasty comments were unlike him.
"I just don't believe that it is even in his DNA to say anything that awful, he's denied it,” she said.
Before the cabinet met, several Labor ministers denied the Premier could be facing a challenge by disgruntled MPs.
"Absolute beat up,” Corrections Minister Steve Herbert said. “I will go into that cabinet meeting and there will be absolute unity around that table."
Minister for Resources Wade Noonan agreed, saying the idea of a challenge was “just nonsense”.
The Premier recently fell out with two cabinet colleagues - former Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett and Women's Minister Fiona Richardson.
He is expected to make a statement to parliament when it sits on Tuesday.
News break – August 28
