South Australia’s opposition leader says he is concerned over the publication of a video which appears to shows his predecessor David Speirs snorting from a plate.
The video was published online by News Corp, which has reported it was filmed inside his home in June.
Mr Speirs has strenuously denied wrongdoing, reportedly telling News Corp it is a “deepfake” or artificially generated video, and describing it as “very troubling”.
“That was certainly not me,” Mr Speirs told Advertiser journalists.
“That is very strange … I would never have done that. I’m quite horrified by that.
“I’m really troubled by that.”
The ABC has contacted Mr Speirs, who is the Member for Black in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, for comment.
Mr Speirs resigned as Liberal leader late last month and was replaced by Vincent Tarzia.
Mr Speirs stepped down from the party leadership in August. (ABC News: Carl Saville)
In a statement Mr Tarzia said that if the video has been faked, Mr Speirs should “refer it to the appropriate authorities”.
“Any suggestion of this kind of activity is of concern to me, and my party takes these matters very seriously,” Mr Tarzia said.
“This is a matter for Mr Speirs, and if it is fake, Mr Speirs should refer it to the appropriate authorities.
“It would be inappropriate for further comment until all facts are known.”
Mr Speirs quit the Liberal leadership in early August, saying he had had a “gutful” and no longer had the energy to continue in the role.
Late last week, he said a federal takeover of the SA branch of the Liberal Party should be “seriously considered”.
