Gippsland MP resigns from Nationals over mental health battle

UPDATE: A VICTORIAN MP has denied his gambling and private debts are more than $1 million, after quitting the National Party to serve as an independent.

Mr Northe says issues including the Morwell mine fire have had a “significant emotional impact” on him Picture: Eugene Hyland

A VICTORIAN MP has denied his gambling and private debts are more than $1 million, after quitting the National Party to serve as an independent.

Russell Northe, the Member for Morwell, announced his shock resignation yesterday amid an ongoing battle with wagering and mental illness.

The Herald Sun was told he had borrowed money from fellow MPs and financial institutions, and had also approached people in the Latrobe Valley for loans.

Morwell MP Russell Northe.

Mr Northe admitted an “error of judgment” but denied liabilities worth more than $1 million, saying “the level of debt has been grossly exaggerated”.

He said “poor business investment decisions, personal gambling and a family member with a drug problem” had contributed to his plight, and he had taken steps to pay back the debts.

“It is true that I have accumulated some private debt,’’ he said.

“This is the product of a number of things including some poor business investment decisions, personal gambling and a family member with a drug problem.

“I have sought professional assistance in constructing a financial plan to pay back the debt owing.”

Mr Northe said he would carry on with his parliamentary duties as an independent until the 2018 election and was expected to return to the chamber next week.

National Party leader Peter Walsh revealed colleagues were aware of Mr Northe’s gambling and mental illness for 12 months and had accepted his resignation.

“We as a party have been supporting Russell with a number of personal issues he has had,” Mr Walsh said.

“Russell has said the issues he has had with mental health and gambling and he says he is going to continue on.”

Mr Walsh said the alleged amount of money involved had increased significantly since Mr Northe went on mental health leave in June.

Mr Northe had already stood down from his shadow cabinet duties in December, when he went on the taxpayer funded leave.

The Nationals confirmed they will run a candidate in the seat in the election in November next year and Melina Bath will continue to take on party duties in the area.

People seeking help for mental illness can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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