Dan Andrews Submits Defence in High-Profile Cyclist Injury Lawsuit
Former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has formally filed his defence against the legal action brought by Ryan Meuleman, the teenage cyclist who sustained life-threatening injuries in a collision with Andrews' car over a decade ago. The case, now proceeding in the Federal Court of Australia, centres on a 2013 crash and subsequent allegations of defamation linked to public statements made by the Andrews couple.
Details of the 2013 Collision and Legal Proceedings
The incident occurred on January 7, 2013, in the seaside town of Blairgowrie, when Ryan Meuleman, then aged 15, was cycling and collided with a Ford Territory SUV carrying Dan Andrews, his wife Catherine, and their three children. At the time, Andrews served as the Victorian opposition leader. According to police reports, Andrews stated that his wife was driving and had come to a complete stop before turning right from a stationary position when the teenager struck the side of the vehicle.
Ryan Meuleman, now 27 years old, was airlifted to the Royal Children's Hospital with severe injuries including a punctured lung, broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, and internal bleeding. Medical documents indicate he continues to experience pain from these injuries, alongside significant symptoms of depression, anxiety, and traumatisation, as outlined in court filings.
Defamation Allegations and Court Deadlines
Meuleman's lawsuit alleges that online trolls labelled him a 'grifter' following a media statement issued by Dan and Catherine Andrews in September 2024. The statement referenced a review into the collision, describing it as the result of 'appalling conspiracy theories'. Court documents claim the Andrews couple 'impliedly admitted' via their lawyers that these comments were in response to a media article highlighting a review by Raymond Shuey, the former Assistant Commissioner for Traffic Operations.
Andrews managed to file his defence just before the deadline, which was the close of business on Tuesday. He had initially been given a deadline of December 19 but was granted an extension due to medical problems. A hearing scheduled for Tuesday was adjourned until next month, with expectations that it will be livestreamed to the public.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This case underscores ongoing legal and personal ramifications from the 2013 crash, blending issues of road safety, public figure accountability, and mental health impacts. The defence submission marks a critical phase in the proceedings, as both parties prepare for the upcoming hearing. The outcome could influence how similar cases involving high-profile individuals and defamation claims are handled in the future, particularly in contexts where public statements intersect with personal injury litigation.
