‘Serious concerns’ as former Nationals MP Michael Johnsen goes missing

Police have issued a plea to help locate former NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen, who was last seen leaving his home on Friday.

Police have appealed to the public for help to locate former NSW Nationals MP Michael Johnsen.

Serious concerns are held for Mr Johnsen, former MP for the Upper Hunter, who was last seen on Friday leaving his West Tamworth home.

“Tamworth Police are seeking the assistance of the community to locate Mr Michael Johnsen,” the Oxley Police District said in a statement early on Sunday morning.

“Mr Johnsen was last seen on Friday the 21st of February leaving his West Tamworth address. There are concerns for the safety and welfare of Mr Johnsen with the community encouraged to call Tamworth Police on 02 67682999 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.”

The Facebook post from the Oxley Police District. Picture: Facebook

Michael Johnsen, former member for the Upper Hunter. Picture: NSW Parliament

Nationals figures including Barnaby Joyce and his wife, Vikki Campion, expressed their fears for Mr Johnsen.

“This is a huge shock – I hope and pray for a good resolution but hold grave concerns,” Mr Joyce told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Joyce said he had been in touch with police and local state member, fellow Nationals MP Dave Layzell, who had won the seat in a by-election that was held after Mr Johnsen’s resignation.

“If anyone is near Barrington Tops and sees a dark grey Kluger, please report. We are worried sick,” Ms Campion wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Mr Layzell said, “I certainly hope they find him well. He’s had a tough few years. I can only hope he’s OK.”

Friends of Mr Johnsen, 60, were hopefully he may have gone camping in Barrington Tops, a national park located approximately two-hours north of Newcastle that he frequented.

Nationals figures have expressed concern for Johnsen. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Johnsen was MP for the Upper Hunter from 2015-2021. He resigned after being accused of raping a sex worker in the Blue Mountains and offering her $1000 for sex at NSW Parliament House.

The accusations were aired under parliamentary privilege.

The former MP talked of how the allegations caused immense anguish and stress to him, his partner and family.

“They have destroyed my career and sullied my reputation, changed the democratically elected representative of an electorate mid-cycle in an unwanted by-election,” Mr Johnsen said at the time.

Shortly afterwards, he said he’d been “formally cleared” of the allegations and that police would not take further action in relation to the claims.

NSW Police had sought legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions about the allegations and issued a statement in 2021.

“Following recommendations made by the DPP, there is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with charges,” police said.

Mr Johnsen said at the time, “I have been vindicated. I am innocent. As stated all along.”

He went on to run a series of restaurants and opened a government consulting business.

Originally published as ‘Serious concerns’ as former Nationals MP Michael Johnsen goes missing