Nationals Victorian MP hit up leader for cash

ALMOST $700,000 in personal debt was racked up by embattled MP Russell Northe — including a $30,000 loan from Victorian Nationals leader.

Nationals MP Russell Northe.

A $30,000 loan from Victorian Nationals Leader Peter Walsh is among the $685,000 in ­personal debt racked up by embattled MP Russell Northe.

The Herald Sun can reveal the member for Morwell sought large loans from high-ranking party members in early 2015, claiming financial issues with his locally based franchise.

Mr Walsh confirmed he had given money as part of a “handshake agreement” in January after the election.

He was shocked to later find out about Mr Northe’s other personal debts.

“Russell came to me with a problem related to his franchise businesses in 2015. I took him at his word,” Mr Walsh said.

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Almost 20 people contacted the party last year — after Mr Northe took stress leave — ­revealing loans mostly ­between $2000 and $6000.

Peter Walsh. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Several party and community members reported much larger amounts. The party ­estimated Mr Northe owed at least $685,000.

Mr Northe declined to discuss the issue with the Herald Sun but in a written statement called for privacy.

“I had encountered some personal issues including contending with work, family, business and financial related matters and depression,’’ he wrote.

“I continue to receive ongoing professional assistance for depression which has helped me enormously.”

The revelations of enormous debt prompted Mr Northe’s resignation from the National Party in August, where he cited family issues and depression. There has also been admissions of gambling.

Mr Northe remains in parliament as an independent and has flagged an intention to run in the November state election.

Last year, he sold a family-owned property and entered an agreement to begin paying some of his debts.