The Victorian Nationals call in police to probe alleged forgery worth $8000

POLICE will be called in to probe $8000 siphoned from a Victorian Nationals Party account amid fears of forgery. Party Leader Peter Walsh revealed the allegedly stolen money had been removed from the Morwell branch.

Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh says police will investigate.

POLICE will be called in to probe $8000 siphoned from a Victorian Nationals Party account.

Party leader Peter Walsh revealed the allegedly stolen money this morning, saying it had been removed from the Morwell party branch but was later returned.

The transaction was identified by an independent auditor, who was called in to look at the party books last year.

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The party has declined to point fingers at potential suspects and will await the police investigation.

Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh said the alleged forgery will be referred to police.

Mr Walsh said he was confident of the party’s policies regarding funds but flagged there could be changes in the future.

“The auditor has indicated the possibility of an unauthorised transaction and alleged forgery relating to the withdrawal of $8000 in May 2017,’’ Mr Walsh said.

“This sum was later deposited back into the account.

“The auditor directed the Nationals to consider making a report to authorities and this morning the Nationals State Director has contacted Victoria Police.”

The announcement comes after the Herald Sun revealed embattled former Nationals MP Russell Northe took a $30,000 loan from Victorian Nationals Leader Peter Walsh in 2015, but failed to repay the money.

Former Nationals Morwell MP Russell Northe.

It was among an estimated $685,000 in ­personal debt racked up by embattled MP who resigned from the party in August 2017 citing family issues and depression.

Gambling issues have also been raised.

There is no suggestion Mr Northe was involved in the alleged forgery from the Morwell branch which has been referred to police this morning.

The announcement comes as preparation for the 2018 November state election heats up.

Mr Northe is running as an independent in the seat of Morwell and the Nationals will run another candidate.

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