A Victorian Nationals MP has resigned from the party over mental health and alleged gambling issues.
Member for Morwell Russell Northe exited office Monday, with Nationals leader Peter Walsh announcing the news in a press conference in Melbourne.
Mr Northe had been on leave from parliament since June, with the party supporting him and stating they were ‘relieved’ he had sought professional help.
Russell Northe (pictured), the Nationals Member for Morwell, resigned from office Monday over mental health and alleged gambling issues
Mr Northe called his resignation ‘reluctant’ in a statement made to ABC Gippsland and said that he had renounced his membership to the party to ‘give myself the best chance of succeeding’.
‘This will relieve me of my broader responsibilities to the party, giving me more time to serve the Morwell electorate and address my personal challenges,’ he said.
‘Thanks to the wonderful support I have received from my family, health professionals and community members, I now feel I am in a better position to address the challenges I face.’
The Nationals confirmed the news in a responding statement and said they had been supporting Mr Northe with his challenges over the last 12 months.
‘Russell’s statement today has given the Party and his colleagues more clarity on the severity of the issues he is battling,’ it read.
‘We sincerely hope Russell continues to seek professional assistance and makes his personal well-being his number one priority.’
Nationals leader Peter Walsh confirmed the news of Mr Northe’s resignation in a press conference in Melbourne on Monday
Mr Walsh said the Party had been supporting Mr Northe with his challenges over the last 12 months and that he had not been asked to resign
Mr Northe was reportedly not asked to resign by the National Party but had taken it upon himself.
Major events such as the Black Saturday fires and closure of the Hazelwood Power Station had compounded personal issues, Mr Northe had said.
Mr Northe took leave in late June for ‘mental health issues,’ with an announcement at the time saying his leave of absence came after he received medical advice.
The Nationals Party gave the MP unwavering support in his decision, saying they were ‘glad he had recognised these problems and is now getting help.’
Mr Northe had also reportedly struggled with gambling debts, owing a ‘substantial amount’ of money according to the ABC.
He said he would return to parliament as an independent MP as part of his path to recovery.
Readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline no 13 11 14.
Mr Northe (pictured centre) cited major events such as the Black Saturday fires and closure of the Hazelwood Power Station in addition to personal issues as having affected him
The MP (pictured centre) had taken a leave of absence in June and had also reportedly struggled with gambling debts, according to the ABC