Victoria’s opposition spokeswoman for multiculturalism, Inga Peulich, has accepted the apology of a Liberal party member who accused her of racism, ending a 12-month legal battle.
Peulich began defamation proceedings against Prasad Philip, a Liberal party member and prominent member of Melbourne’s Indian community, in December, over comments that were published in the Australian in July. She also began defamation proceedings against News Corporation.
Guardian Australia understands both proceedings are now resolved.
Philip’s comments related to a conversation that took place at a party meeting in December 2014 about the recent state election, in which, Philip alleged, Peulich racially abused and bullied him.
The Australian reported his comments, and that he had referred his complaint to police and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, last July. Last month it published an apology saying that report was in error.
“Mr Philip now accepts Ms Peulich did not make any racist remarks to Mr Philip or racially bully him,” it read. “Mr Philip and The Australian apologise to Ms Peulich.”
I welcome Prasad Philip & Oz apology published pg 2 The Australian 23.6.16 #auspol #Springst @LiberalVictoria pic.twitter.com/D4QHBO0I1f
— Inga Peulich (@IngaPeulichMP) June 24, 2016
Peulich, who was hounded on social media after the original story broke, acknowledged the apology with a statement on her own website on Wednesday.
“As a person who migrated to Australia from Bosnia and Herzegovina as a child, as an MP and now shadow minister for multicultural affairs in the Victorian parliament, such allegations are serious and the effect of this smear on my family has been both hurtful and distressing,” she said.
“The allegations have taken a toll on my family, my elderly mother in particular.
“I would like to thank all of those friends, supporters, and members of the community, including our multicultural communities, for their support and encouragement during this time.
“It is a period of my life that I am glad to put behind me.”
